We completed our first double over any side in this league this season today, and it felt sweeter that it was against our local rivals Atcost.
With conditions at woodside as bad as is could get, with a rutted but dry pitch, and a bitterly cold gale blowing, it wasn't going to be a day for pretty to watch football.
We started positively, but were lucky not to fall behind when there striker smashed a shot against the inside of the post, which rebounded across the goal and out for a goal kick. Colin Blewden for them also missed with the goal at his mercy from about six yards. We ourselves were creating chances, Woody drove a shot from the edge of the box, which was well saved, and Liam headed wide when it looked easier to score.
When the goal did come it was Atcost who took advantage of a poor clearance from Rob, which went straight to their winger who lobbed it back into the net. We continued to press though, despite this set back, and about 10 mins later we were level. Liam Gent sent a great cross over which Chris Ells met at the far post. His header went back across the goal, where Marc Wood was waiting to volley home. 1-1 at half time.
The second half started much the same as the first, with us on top, and them content to load it on our back four, and hope for a mistake. There were some scary moments for us at the back, but their forwards did not seem to want to except the gifts that were presented to them. We were not so forgiving, and when the ref awarded a penalty for pulling, Sargy stepped up and drilled it into the bottom corner. Credit to Nick for keeping his nerve as the penalty was delayed for about 10 mins, as the Ref sent their linesman and centre forward off for argueing. 2-1 soon became 3-1 when their keeper came to punch the ball, and missed by a mile. The ball fell to Ben Brooker who finished well.
Credit has to go to the whole Squad. The back five again were solid, the midfield industrious and creative in tricky conditions, and the front two of Dave Hymers and Ben were always a threat.
We only have 3 games left, and if we can get this same squad out, there are more points to be had.
Well done to all.
Squad
R MANSFIELD
B TURNER
A JAMES
J GALE
N SARGENT
M WOOD
A TASKER
C ELLS
L GENT
D HYMERS
B BROOKER
S ADAMS
T GENT.