Highbridge Town Reserves 2 - 3 Bridgwater Sports Colts

1st September 2007 @ The Wreck, Highbridge

Squad:

Howes, Hill, Savage, Walford, Criddle, Curran, Monaghan, Harris, Clapp, Frost, Redman

Subs:

Lyons, Woolridge

Scorers:

Redman 2, Monaghan

Farky outlined his aims and objectives for the season, followed by announcing the team selection and then detailing the day’s tactics and game plan.  This touch of professionalism backfired as the team then arrived late for K.O. (again not helped when Farky forgot to pick up his goal keeper on the way to the game)!  Note to self – organisational skill must improve (or learn to blame Walfey)!!

My apprehension of fielding a ‘new’ team, containing five U18’s and other ‘much older’ players was increased by two things on arrival at the Highbridge Rec.  Firstly, the pitch was extremely under prepared!  The grass had been cut only where the white lines had been painted leaving the rest of the playing field covered by 6” high grass – other than the goal mouths which were bare and rough as sand paper.  Secondly, the opposition in comparison look a strong and experienced side.

However, straight from the K.O. my fears proved unfounded as the Colts made a dream start.  Youth and experience combined superbly and asked questions of the opposition in all areas of the park.  Then, after 10mins the vital first goal came from Steve Redman.  For 20 years he’s been desperate to prove himself as a centre forward and today he wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass him by.  Receiving the ball 25yrds from goal he set off with only one thought in his mind.  With great strength and desire he held off a number of challenges before despatching the ball past the keeper.

It was important to maintain this lead and play in the way in which we had begun.………..and the dream start continued.  After 15mins neat interplay between the skillfull Gareth Monaghan and Redman had the Highbridge defence chasing shadows before the later doubled his and the teams tally to go 2-nil up.

Unsurprisingly Highbridge pressed hard to get back into the game but were finding it difficult to play through the hard working trio of Spence, Richie Harris and Adam Clapp in the middle of the park.  Long balls were effectively managed by the combative Aaron Walford and Craig Savage, and balls through the channels were dealt with by the no nonsense full backs, Hillbill and the impressive Nathan Criddle.  However, for the clean sheet at half time, the team were indebted to the inspired late, new signing of Gary Howes in goal.  The Highbridge chances were few but they were good opportunities to score, however they were up against an inspired Gazza, who’s quality of saves, the like of which have not been seen at this club for many a year!

The 2nd half saw the introduction of Jay Lyons who, at 4’ 9” and 42years old, the manager has now converted to a central midfield player.

On 50mins the Colts succumbed to their only weakness on the day.  A set piece saw the ball delivered to the back post where a late run by the experienced Simon Fouracre saw him head home unchallenged.  Similarly, after 80 minutes, this time from a corner, we were hesitant in defending the cross which was banged in from close range to concede our second goal.  Fortunately, just prior to this we were able to score a third goal ourselves, also from a corner.  After a good delivery from Jay, Gareth Monaghan found some space to attack inside the box and met the ball with an unstoppable volley into the top corner.

With 20mins to go 16 year old Dan Woolridge replaced Adam Clapp.  Adam having ran himself into the ground, playing above himself by putting in a tremendous amount of effort – everything a manager could ask for!

The clock ticked down slowly (from my point of view), however, the players continued their hard work right up until the final whistle to ensure a hard fought but fully deserved victory – celebrated way into the early hours, by some!!

Just to add that both sets of players concentrated on playing football in the proper manner,  but were helped, encouraged and supported by the respected man in black - Mike Hill.

Team – inc. Dream Team Ratings

G. Howes           9 *Man

N. Criddle          8

C. Savage         8

A. Walford         8

M. Hill              7

G. Monaghan     8

K. Curren          7

R. Harris           8

S. Frost            7

A. Clapp           7

S. Redman        8

J. Lyons           6

D. Woolridge     6

Donkey:          A. Farkas – poor organisational skills!!

Wanker:          M. Hill – Heading the ball with the side of his face and later coming off for treatment because his cheek was numb!