MATCH REPORT 20/08/16 Spratton vs Earls Barton – D 2-2
We kicked off the season in a windy away fixture at Spratton. Our squad was dented with a few late unavailabilities and a no show but we gladly welcomed Speighty in who didn’t feature for Wboro Town that day.
1st half we were against the strong wind and dealt with it extremely well. Sprattons chances were very limited and the back 3/keeper dealt well with the threat they posed. It was very much a scrappy midfield battle, which we were winning despite the physical presence we had. A debut for 16 year old Dante, then Wardy and Aldrich with a combined height of 8 foot was showing the opposition that size/age doesn’t matter.
Midway through the half we had our breakthrough. A ball forward fell nicely for Speighty who hit a left footed shot early from 20yards to catch the keeper by surprise. 1nil and very much in control. Confidence grew and moments later some magic by Randall saw some trickery then a fierce shot beat the keeper only to be denied by the woodwork. The rest of the half was more midfield battles, until 2 minutes before the half came to an end. A late lapse in concentration in defence saw a ball come in from out wide and a finish that squeezed in past Justin in goal.
Despite conceding late on we went into the dressing room pleased at 1-1 knowing we were the better team against the wind. It only took us 5minutes from the restart to take our lead again. Randall ran through and rounded the keeper who scuffed home into an empty net. 2-1 up and expecting us to go on. Chances were then limited for both and it was more ‘doing a job’ then playing football at times due to the conditions. Then the game changed. Young Dante in midfield was then assaulted with a knee high challenge which forced him off. Welcome to Adults football mate. Everybody expected a red card for the offender but a foul wasn’t even given!!!
Changes were then made and shape was then lost. We got deeper and deeper and they were knocking on the door. A nervous last 15mins ahead.
The defence rose to the challenge and Spratton couldn’t see how they were going to score. Then with 2minutes left on the clock, The Spratton Right back picked up the ball from 35 yards out and struck it into the far stanchion. A goal i could only admire. 2-2 Full-time.
A point on the board which should have been 3 up to 65mins but thats football.
Team – Justin, Browny, Ash, Laurence, Tony, Nicky, Dante, Wardy, Callum A, Speighty, Randall.
Subs – Paddy, Leo
Goals – Speighty, Randall.
Motm – Wardy