Mid Solent Under 14 B League – 10th November 2007
Chandlers Ford had not enjoyed the best times over the past couple of weeks with difficult games and heavy defeats. Despite a very tough game on paper in their latest game, away to undefeated, top of the table Crofton Saints – Ford did themselves proud with arguably their best performance this season.
Without both Josh Harrigan and Michael Sawbridge, few could expect the way CFY fared. David Smith was drafted into the centre of defence alongside Jake Beattie, meanwhile Jozef Montigue having completed a full game last week at right back kept his place in the side this time as a centre forward.
Ford were by far the better side throughout the half and the game as a whole for that matter, winning their battles across the park keeping things tight at the back when needed and getting the ball forward well also.
It was Crofton who took the lead though, against the run of play with a quick break down the right seeing the cross come in leaving a simple finish past Lee.
Deservedly the visitors hit back instantly with a superb goal. Good play down the left by the excellent Daryl Winter and David Bromhead saw the ball floated beautifully into the path of Joe by David. In true style, letting the ball bounce once before pulling the trigger, Montigue took full advantage of the opportunity to keep his head in front of goal and fire an unstoppable half volley past the keeper for 1-1.
That was the way it stayed at the interval with Chandlers Ford coming off full of confidence having every reason to be pleased with their first half performance, having the belief that they could get a result.
Crofton were allowed to take the lead for the second time in the game due to a sloppy mistake and lack of communication between goalkeeper and centre half in the penalty area.
Daryl Winter in only his second game for the club, not only did his job well at left back but netted his first and second goals for the club with quality deliveries from free kicks and corners.
Getting back on level terms as soon as possible was crucial and thankfully Ford were able to do just that with a free kick from way out, not far from the halfway line.
Not that this put Daryl off in any way from getting a strike in on goal! Again it was a top delivery whipped in with pace, swerve and height making it difficult for the defence under pressure from Godfrey. It came off a Crofton shirt to divert past the keeper, but the effort was on target and will go to Winter to make it 2-2.
Richard’s men now had the momentum in their favour and amazingly took a 3-2 lead through that man Winter once more. This time it came from a teasing, dangerous ball in from the right with the left peg of Winter. Flighted across the face of goal and with the help of a Crofton defender, the ball found it’s way to the net.
Cruelly, having given of their all throughout the game Ford heading for victory, had all of this snatched away as Crofton rescued a point with just 60 seconds to spare.
There was a mixture of emotions at the full time whistle. Obviously pleased to be the first team to take any points from Crofton this season, to have come so close to taking all three points it was a little frustrating as Ford deserved so much more than what they came away with.
A great all round performance from everyone. Men of the match were Liam Godfrey who ran his socks off and was key in the win with non stop hassling to dominate the midfield, and Daryl for another solid game and two goals. If we see this effort and work rate every game we will be celebrating a few more wins I have no doubt.
