Mens 3rd XI Match Report


Team: Mens 3rd XI
Date: Sat 1st Mar 2008
Opposition: Kings and Alleyns 3rd XI
Result: 1 - 0 Win
Scorers: Mark Linzey
Man of The Match:   Chris Pearson

Report:
We arrived to find that the game before us (their First Team) was just starting - which was very annoying - given the already late start.

We started well and won the midfield. We were quite encouraged. Then after 10 minutes Richard Carver limped off with a pulled hamstring. As we re-organised they won a short corner from which they scored. They scored a second well worked goal before half time, but we still felt we were in the game, with Mark Linzey back to his best moving into the centre-half role.

Unfortunately we are something of a one trick pony with our short corner routine and without Richard we failed to develop a convincing alternative from the several chances we had.

At the turn we still felt we could get something from the game and we began to push up, developing a number of chances. Unfortunately, with our mature back line, this always leaves us open to counter attacking moves - and they had a very fast and mobile front line. They scored two more goals from breakaways from the half way line.

The result was decided at this point, but we in no way felt inferior and kept moving forward in search of a goal. The spirit is willing but the bodies are not quite what they were and Steve Cooley pulled his own hamstring. Ray George was also limping heavily by this stage. With no other subs available both played on - but Kings were able to easily out-number us for their last 3 goals, with our own midfield nowhere in sight.

Mark scored an excellent fighting consolation goal, and Chris had an excellent game - but there wasn't much else to take away from this game. With Toby injuring himself too for the Two's, we end the season without our central spine, which is a pity since we are still 3rd place in this league.


Report By:
Phil Bunker