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MATCH REPORTS |
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Games played on: Sat 24th Apr 2010
| 1stXI v |
| Won |
Score: |
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Home |
| Scorers: |
Report:
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| 2ndXI v |
| Won |
Score: |
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Home |
| Scorers: |
Report:
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| 3rdXI v Alexandra Park 3rd XI |
| Drew |
Score: Lost 1-3 and Won 2-1 (DOUBLE HEADER) |
League |
Home |
| Scorers: McMullen T, Powell, Mays |
Report: Another double header this week, with six points up for grabs and the sun shining we lined up against local(ish) rivals Alexandra Park confident of a successful afternoon.
The first game didn’t exactly go to plan. Whether it was the tropical conditions on the day or the fact that once again we had to reshuffle the pack due to late drop outs, we were very sluggish out of the blocks. The visitors certainly the brighter side in the opening stages and it took us while to find our stride. When not at your best with possession it’s always important to make sure that you are difficult to score against at the other end, but sadly as with last week, we were the architects of our downfall, giving two cheap goals away in a ten minute period mid way through the half.
We responded well and showed some attacking threat of our own, however we never really tested the keeper often enough as the majority of our forward moves broke down in the final third.
We did manage to pull a goal back before half time however, as with many times before this season, it was a set piece that brought us back in to the game. Darby whipped the ball in from the right hand side and Masy got up highest (not hard at 7ft 4) to glance a header to the back post where Tom McMullen bundled in from close range as the referee waved away Park’s cries for hand ball – it was clearly knocked in off his moob’s.
In at half time and we knew we had a chance as long as we kept it tight in the second half.
Unfortunately disaster struck again as a mix up at the back let in Park for a third goal that really took the wind out of our sails as we pressed for an equaliser and the score remained that way until the final whistle. First battle lost but the war not over, it was clear we would need to improve to take the three points in the second match.
The message from Micky was simple, forget the first game and relax in to the second and we certainly started this game much better, the team looked more balanced and we moved the ball around with more confidence. We deservedly took the lead midway through the half and it was a peach of a goal that gave us the advantage. Reading a pass out from the Park’s defence and nicking the ball in front of the striker he cut inside on to his ‘weaker’ left foot and let fly from 25 yards giving the keeper no chance as the ball whistled inside the near post.
We were good value for our lead and it was no real surprise that we registered the next goal in an entertaining first half. A good move down our left resulted in a clumsy challenge inside the box and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Masey stepped up and put enough sauce on the strike to beat the keeper despite him getting a hand to the ball diving down to his left hand side.
We looked much more comfortable in this match and look set to take our two goal lead in to half time until a fantastic strike minutes from the break. After a good clearing header from a Park corner we appeared to have averted the danger; however as the ball fell twenty odd yards out a Park player hit the sweetest of left foot drives rocketing past Darren.
So as with the first game it was one goal deficit at the break, this time in our favour and we felt confident of at least holding on to it.
We continued to use the ball well in the second half and at times probably played the best football of the afternoon. Both teams were looking for a goal which made for an open game and both teams had chances, though the clearest fell our way. Two in particular were stand out. The first a terrific solo run from left back Anthony which started in his own half. Weaving through three or four Park challenges on his way into the area he looked set for a wonder goal until his composure deserted him at the last moment as he skied his shot clean over the bar.
The second chance was created by one striker set up for the other. Masey into the area down the right hand side and as the Park keeper came to block the inevitable shot on goal; Masey surprised everyone by squaring the ball across the area where Mikey was waiting unmarked. With the goal at his mercy and all the time in the world it seemed certain he would wrap up the three points, but it wasn’t to be and he dwelt a little too long on the ball as the defenders got back at him and the chance went begging – some blaming his unconventional footwear
Fortunately for him and for the team the score line remained the same and we went on to take the three points on an afternoon that could and maybe should have gone better.
.Man of the matches: Tom ‘Darby’ Powell – solid throughout and a cracking goal.
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| 4thXI v |
| Won |
Score: |
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Home |
| Scorers: |
Report:
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| 5thXI v Old Finchleians 7th XI |
| Lost |
Score: 1-2 |
League |
Home |
| Scorers: Nwosu (Mike) |
Report: A poor performance against fast and skillful oppo, who in truth could have scored more goals given their dominance of the ball. I think some of us (I'm guilty, so I'll speak for myself) did not put in the required effort on a hot sunny day. The pitch was hard and the ball was not easy to control but it was the same for both sides so no excuses; we just did not want this as much as the Finchley lads. The first half was 0-0, which is a surprise in some ways given that we did not get out of our half too often, and credit to Sam Payne for good handling of the several long range shots on target. We got stuck in a little more in the second half, and had some chances, notably Lee Hunt hitting the bar with a crisp drive from the edge of the box, and Gary Hulkes sliding the ball inches past the far post when put through on goal. However, both these chances came after we had conceded, when Finchley sent one of their nippy youngsters through our back line (possibly offside) to slot past Sam. The last 20 minutes of the game were better for us, with some passing moves down both flanks but in truth these were rare and often broke down once we got to the final third, and from one move we lost possession and were caught on the break, again pace and guile beating our back line and ending in a simple pass into the net from an unmarked position at the back post by their best player (a teenager called Mandela). Our most determined player then set up our goal with 2 minutes to go, Lee Hunt breaking forcefully down the left channel and after beating two tackles crossing for Mike Nwosu to bicycle kick into the net from close range.
So, far from a vintage performance, and the scoreline flatters to deceive, and we now face one last game at Old Parkonians on Wednesday evening to keep 4th spot.
Only 5 players have committed to the annual dinner on Friday May 7th in Southgate. It's £25 and a good time; you'll hear some jokes from the speakers that are older than Jim Townsend (or me for that matter) and get a chance to wind up your teammates via the "take wine" tradition. Every other team has booked a full table - we should show the club we appreciate the opportunity to play regular Saturday football by supporting the occassion.
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