Returning to the squad, Leon Rider 20 (Chest Infection) but without recent hero Matt Hughes (Holiday/AWOL) the Reds got off to an even start to the encounter. Some neat passing and creative movement for Pannells men were getting them into some promising opportunities but it took all of 8 minutes for the Reds to strike first. Utility man Craig Victory pounced after a mistake from the Spatan keeper with a great poke to beat the unavailing Spatan keeper and give his side a deserved lead.
Then came two more goals before half time. Hitman Ricky Gill was the scorer of both, the first a clinical finish after a lay off from the tricky Webster who skinned a defender before laying it on a plate to the Reds hitman, but the second was a piece of magic. Some great fast passing from his teammates saw Gill into some space who sublimy slotted home an acute first time shot.
Controversy followed when claims were made by several Spatan players that the ball had gone through the side netting but after an inspection from the referee and video evidence the goal counted. 3-0
A Great first half from the Reds, all battling hard and creating good chances. Webster carving out his ballerinic style runs and passes and Rider dominating at the back like a brick wall
HALF TIME
Not the best start to the half which saw Spatan strike soon after the break with a quick poachers goal which Reds keeper Ben Robbins could do nothing about. 3-1
Some point blank stops from Robbins were proving why he is now firmly Pannells number one choice between the sticks and keeping his side on top.
More Battling from Pannell, Rider, L. Mayes and Victory were showing why the club is sat at the top of the pile and the most feared team in the league.
After persistent closing down on the keeper by L. Mayes the Reds current joint top scorer managed to fprce an error out of the shotstopper and an accurate curling cross from the ever consistent Ross Webster saw Mayes bravely head home followed by a flapping keeper. 4-1
Luke Mayes then turned from hero to villan as he clumsily hacked down a Spatan front runner in the penalty area which gave the oppostion a much needed chance to get back into the game.
Robbins, bouncing on his line managed to force the taker to shoot wide. ''I practice penalties after every training session and have a system that works, i had it covered even if it would've hit the target'' proclaimed the Reds Keeper.
Dan Mayes, making his second appearance back after a career threatening injury was brought on to try and close down the opposition. Things were looking ok until he lunged into a 50/50 ball with his left leg (the career threatened one) and collided with the Spatan defender. After picking himself up Mayes felt a sprain in his ankle and had to be substituted. ''Things seemed fine out there, i was trying to get stuck in and it backfired on me. I've had a rough time of injuries lately but hopefully this will be healed by next week'' he muttered.
Spatan then provided an unexpected scare for Reds when they managed to slot home again. After a fine block from Robbins the rebound sat kindly at the Spatan forwards feet and all he had to do was slot home. Rider tried to get a hand on it but to no avail. 4-2
Pannell and Victory (the vocals of the team) were keeping play flowing and raising the tempo of the game.
Player/Manager/Captain Paul Pannell then for the 3rd successive game lost his head again as he chopped at one of the opposition. ''I went for the ball but caught the guy. He didn't like it but I told him if he wanted some then to bring it'' . The referee took no action against the Reds skipper though.
The returning Leon Rider put in an astounding performance at the back for the Reds and was as solid as a brick wall the whole game putting in numerous crunch and last ditch tackles and wearing his heart on his sleeve for the club. ''It was great to be back out there, i really missed not being part of the set up last week'' Rider said.
FULL TIME
Squad : Robbins, Pannell, Victory, Rider, L. Mayes, Gill, Webster, D. Mayes
Man Of The Match: Leon Rider
(Due to technical difficulties we regret to inform that this weeks match wasn't recorded as someone didn't hit the record button. Rest assured next weeks game will be brought to you in video as soon as possible)
No comments:
Post a Comment