Middlezoy Rovers 1 - 4 Bridgwater Sports

22nd September 2007 @ Aerodrome

Team:

Rawle, Smith, Caddy, Prowse, Dodden, McGann, Tucker, Wood, Fearn, Jones, Fursland

Subs:

Taylor (on for Jones)  Gardner (on for Dodden)  Sealey (on for Fearn)

Scorers:

McGann (3) 18, 61 & 85, Dodden 38

Sports continued their excellent start to the season with a convincing 4-1 away victory over local rivals Middlezoy Rovers. Victory was all the sweeter as it kept Sports top of the table, and inflicted Middlezoy to their 2nd defeat in 3 league games.

Sports made two changes from last weeks starting eleven. Woods returned to the starting line up in place of the injured Cocks, whilst Fearn came in for Chidgey. McGann started in the wingback position with Fursland moving up front, and Fearn slotting into central midfield. Netto, Gardiner and club captain Sir Sealey returned to the Sports bench, alongside manager/sub goalkeeper Jason ‘Avram’ Bale!!

‘Avram’ instructed his players to continue to play as they had done in previous weeks, however Sports needed to be more ruthless in front of goal, as well as continue to play an organised game in defence.

A close battle began with Sports playing the more controlled football in the early stages with Woods, Fearn and Tucker looking prominent in the midfield. Sports were rewarded with their first opportunity after only 8 minutes. A good move involving several Sports players seen the ball drop to Woods in the penalty box, and his superb pass (or some may say miscued shot!), fell perfectly for McGann who had the easiest of tap ins. Yes, it really was a goal with our first chance, not 21st!!

‘The Zoy’s’ response was just as impressive. A swift one-two on the edge of the Sports box between Farnham and Luce saw Farnham get away from marker Prowse (the only time he did all game mind) and finish expertly with a superb finish to Rawle’s right hand, 1-1 and game on.

The half continued to be a hard battle between two well-matched sides and Woods missed the best chance of the half when goalkeeper Weber saved a feeble shot with his legs. Zoy have some good young players and will be a match for most teams, and with the experienced Paul Bennett in charge they are sure to have a good season. However, Sports were to play the better football in a scrappy first half, and were rewarded after 38 minutes when Dodden’s cross looped in, leaving Weber stranded. Simon insisted it was meant, however we have other ideas. I know we said about Weber’s tendency to come off his line, but come on Si it was a pure fluke! 2-1 to Sports!

It was imperative that Sports held their lead to the break, and they did mainly due to Zoy’s Bellinger’s inability to finish off a chance from 6 yards, which was to be their best opportunity for the remainder of the game.

The half-time team talk was brief, but effective. The defence needed to tighten up a little, particularly from dangerous corner kicks, and also make sure the markers had cover when attacked in the box. The midfield and attack needed to keep working hard, and the chances would come. Fry in particular was working tirelessly up front, giving the Zoy back line a torrid time of it.

The second half started with a similar pattern to the first. Zoy got the ball down much better than the 1st half, but rarely threatened an organised Sports defence led by Richard Smith, who was his usual commanding self at sweeper. Sports looked very dangerous on the break, and their pace up front always threatened to breach the Zoy back line again. The threat was to pay dividends when McGann, who ‘Avram’ had switched to up front at half time (tactical genius we are told!), finished off another quality Sports move to make it 3-1.

Sports now had some breathing space and despite Zoy trying hard to breach the Sports rearguard, Rawle was rarely troubled in goal. Sealey was summoned into the managers ‘virtual’ office to discuss substitutions, and on his return to the bench, promptly made the wrong change, bringing off a tireless Fry for Netto, when ‘Avram’ wanted McGann replaced. With Avram fuming on the line, Sealey and the subs (including Fry) had a quiet chuckle!!

Substitute Netto was to prove an inspiration, as he got stuck in on the right hand side of the Sports midfield, and started pulling the strings for the team. Zoy’s Bellinger seemed to get himself in a jealous rage at Netto’s skill and talent (on the pitch or off it?), and despite numerous attempts to dispossess Netto, Bellinger struggling to find his way out of Caddy’s pocket!!

Gardiner replaced Dodden with 15 minutes remaining, and it was left to Sir Scott ‘Scapegoat’ Sealey to enter the fray with 8 minutes to go in an unusual central midfield role, after his exploits for the Colts the previous week on the same ground!!  

Sports continuity was unaffected by the changes as they continued to thwart Zoy, and with 5 minutes remaining Netto was scythed down by Bellinger (clever play, I’m sure his team mates loved it!) in the Zoy box, and McGann stepped up to complete his hat-trick from the spot. “Thank god Scapegoat made the change and not Avram” was the shout from the loyal Sports support!

4-1 is how it finished, and Sports thoroughly deserved their win keeping them top.

MOM – Fry for his tireless running & special mention to Craig on his excellent hatrick

Donkey – Robbie for forgetting his shinpads (Didn't senior Football teach you anything!)