| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 21/01/2007 : 20:07:28
The Metros first game after the Festive break saw them pitted against a determined Deans Tigers team and with only nine players as Harry and Matty were off on a mid season break (allegations of saboutage by The Eagles are surely wide of the mark?!).
We are all used to the strong winds now and The Metros had an early boost when the Dean's skipper called incorrectly and The Metros were able to play in to the wind in the first half.
The Metros started brightly and fashioned three good chances early on, but neither Shaun nor Kenny could make the most of good opportunities.
At the other end the Deans Tigers looked threatening on the break, but with some solid defending from Joe, Hussain and Ben whilst Luke dominated his box, chances were kept to a minimum.
Just as it looked as though the Metros would dominate without taking advantage another attack was only half cleared and the ball fell to Calum who made no mistake with a firm drive. (1-0 Rigden  )
Deans continued to threaten on the break and seemed certain to score but Luke stood tall to tip a powerful shot up on to the bar and over.
More chances fell to The Metros but it was the Tigers who had the ball in the net next, but the referee correctly disallowed the goal as the ball had gone out of play during the build up. Crucially The Metros took a lead in to half time. (1-0 half time)
Having battled in to the wind so well in the first half The Metros took full advantage in the second, pressing forward at every opportunity and putting in some brave tackles to keep the Tigers at bay. 1 - 0 is always a dangerous scoreline, and with Tom and Hussain taking knocks but having to soldier on the next goal was going to be vital.
With the forwards unable to convert any chances another clearnce broke to Calum, who this time magnificently curled the ball in to the top corner, Paul Scholes eat your heart out (2-0 Rigden  )
Deans still didn't give up, but the Metros defence stood strong and it was no surprise when the Metros broke free again, with Edward breaking down the left, passed his full-back and with the coaching staff urging a cross buried the ball high in to the near top corner (3-0 Lavers  ).
All this was harsh on the Deans keeper who made some fine saves denying the Metros several times when all looked lost.
Kenny's pace had troubled Dean's all afternoon and he finally got his reward for some fine attacking play finishing off his own run with a cool finish. (4-0 Goreham ).
Things could have been worse for Deans, with The Metros having a strong claim for a penalty in the first half, and two stonewall appeals turned down in the second as Edward's pace exposed the back line.
With no subs to bring on the Metros inevitably tired, but they showed great strenght of character to keep battling, and Shaun broke through to cross to Edward who finished well with his head only to be ruled offside - but the reprise was short as Kenny got clear for the umpteenth time to cross unselfishly for Edward to tap in his second and the Metros fifth. (5-0 Lavers  )
By now the weather was terrible and even the victorious Metros were glad to hear the final whistle.
The goalscorers natually grabbed the headlines, but they were well supported by a fine team display with every player playing his part.
The referee arrived late (although some might argue about two hours early!) meaning a short guest appearance from yours truly. The national press reporters left penning headlines such as "Super Cal (he is fantastic) but the officials are atrocious" - but the Metros left with a good win, a clean sheet and plenty to be pleased about.
They'll need to build upon this if they are to progress in the cup next week.
Rob |
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| unicornjfc |
Posted - 23/01/2007 : 18:11:15
Entertaining report again Rob as always! I think we should have a UNICORN FORUM 'Reporter Of the Season' competition with the winner picking up the prestigious prize of a packet of Worthers Originals as well as the coveted title!! There is some real roving reporting talent out there! Not sure about the sabotage reference - which Eagles? the American rock band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in the early 1970s or the Philadelphia based American Gridiron team? Either way an intriguing theory!! |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 23/01/2007 : 13:29:27
No thanks necessary - the workrate on Sunday was impressive from all the players, and the result due reward for that effort. Could have done with similar at The Emirates!
Well done too to both coaches for patching the players up and keeping them going!
Rob |
| Nick Rigden |
Posted - 23/01/2007 : 09:34:35
Another great match report!
"Scholesy" says thankyou for the kind words! He is even considering coming out of international retirement! Just a word from Mr McClaren...... |
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