As nobody has written a report yet - here's a brief,
incomplete summary with possible inacurracies!
Roger:
The game that should have won us the league a month earlier was
finally played on a Wenesday evening on our by now baked and bobbly
home pitch. The importance of the match made for a tight opening 20
minutes. There were only sporadic signs of the free flowing football
of the 6-0 win that had been nulified by the referee's no show. The
opposition wanted to settle some scores as we had already put 15 goals
past them in two game; it looked like being a tough game.
The break-through came with an opening goal from the head of Dawson,
the ball squeezing in past defenders and keeper. Any lingering nerves
evapourated when the ball broke free again in a crowded penalty area
for Walker's to drive it into the net with a left foot strike.
He could have had a second moments later again at the far post, but
this time the left foot volley flew over. Rutherford's best chance came
when a wayward ball back to defence became a through ball for the opposition
strikers, but Cavanagh and A.Alexander snuffed out the chance.
2-0 at half time, a good cushion. The second half saw better passing
and more chances for the Reserves. Rutherford were reduced to long shots
one of which Hepburn acrobatically palmed over the bar. In truth it
was the Reserves that looked more threatening and the addition of Hindley
for the injured Holmes gave Rutherford another focus for their aggression.
Having vocally taken exception, off and on the field to every challenge
against them they set about the Reserves players. Dawson, Wonders and
Hindley were all subjected to late and foul play. The Reserves didn't
back down and showed there quality with a 3rd and decisive goal. Four
passes, a 1-2 with Cavanagh and Robinson let the ball roll across
his body, turning the defender and drove right footed in off the far
post. A picture book goal that sealed a thoroughly deserved championship
winning victory, for which coupled with his all round performace he
recieved man of the match, beating Fraiser's solid and secure performance
by one vote. Pollard came on to replace Robinson, carrying the fight
as ever. There quick and intelligent contributions for Hopkins and Rowson
as ever. Wonders provided grit and fierce determination in the middle
of the park. While the jet-lagged Miller aided the excellent A.Alexander
and Cavanagh (and used the outside of his right foot with mixed success).
Dawson again showed his skill and desire to play the ball throughout.
Team: F.Hepburn, P.Miller, C.Rowson, M.Campbell-Wonders, A.Alexander
, S.Cavanagh, L.Walker 1, B.Holmes (N.Hindley), D.Robinson 1 MoM (M.Pollard),
C.Dawson 1, G.Hopkins
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