Cardinal Manning v Old Challoners
Team: Williams; Lancaster, Weidner, Bevins R, Lord; Wickenden, Bevins P, Foster (Henry, 75), Rae; Thomas, Fitch
Score: 2:1
Scorers: Lord
Nick Lancaster report
Stuart Weidner report
Back to Earth with a bump this week for the 2nd XI. Having not conceded a goal so far this season we were very confident of continuing that form away from Fortress Epo this week at Cardinal Manning Old Boys. A depleted squad this week does not excuse the very below par performance of the 11 on the field. For whatever reason we were incapable of keeping hold of the ball and as a result we created very few chances and naturally found ourselves defending for long periods.
In the first half we managed to reduce the opposition to mainly long range efforts which rarely found the target, any that did, were easily dealt with by Jamie. Having been under the cosh for most of the half we eventually managed to create some half chances but unfortunately Ali volleyed narrowly wide and Rob hit the underside of the bar with a tremendous strike. In between these efforts though we were able to take the lead when the Keeper could only flap Fitchy's free kick straight to Lordy who gleefully buried the chance. Challoners go in 1-0 up at half time thinking they must play better in the second half.
How wrong we were, if we thought we created little in the first half we didn't create a single thing in the second. Having defended stoutly for over an hour we finally conceded, although the goal should never have stood but for an appalling refereeing decision to ignore a blatant handball as the midfielder controlled an attempted clearance with his hand only to then play the ball through for the centre forward to finish neatly. Now really on the back foot we were struggling to hold out, only some fine saves from Jamie kept the scores level. Gradually with the side tiring due to all the chasing we were doing a corner wasn't cleared properly and a nice strike low down into the corner saw Cardinal Manning go into the lead. Still unable to create anything going forward the match ended with us under constant pressure but able to withstand any further breaches.
Man of the match: Jamie Williams
THE LANCASTER VERDICT:
The less said the better but the good news is that we are unlikely to play as poorly again so lets treat it as a wake up call. We now have two cup games at home where we must try and maintain our 100% record.
Report by Nick Lancaster
Saturday 8th Oct saw the 2nds hoping to carry on where they had left of the last 3 games with a victory and a clean sheet to continue there 100% start to the season. However on a windy day it soon became apparent that Cardinal manning were better than most of the team gave credit for.
The opening 10 mins saw an unusually hesitant start from Oc's with Weidner in particular finding the touchline with worrying regularity, this was well backed up by Mr Lord as he attempted to try and miss all his headers in the opening stages. At this stage it also became apparent that the Ref who enjoyed a nice cosy warm up & Chat with the oppo before the game was a homer!!(A Cheat in other words)
With the confidence ebbing out of the team CM started to dominate possession of the ball and OC's were forced to play in their own half for most of the game, however apart from some long range shots they didn't test Jamie until there left winger put in a cross and the CM manning Centre Forward who had peeled of Rich Bevins headed goalwards and had turned away to celebrate, only to see Jamie reach full length & tip the ball behind for a corner.
After that moment Oc's rallied and started to impose themselves on the game with the odd passing move down the left starting to force CM back , and with a neat passing move between Ali Rae & Stuart Weidner & Neil Fitch down the left which was came to an end after Fitch was hacked down from behind. From the resulting Free Kick the keeper made a hash and pushed it to the edge of the box dropping behind Gaz shoulder which saw the big centre back turn in panic, however the volleyed finish was Rooney esqe and OC's were 1-0 up.
The remainder of the 1st half saw Oc's battling to stay ahead with some resilient defending and good goalkeeping.
The 2nd half saw CM totally dominate Midfield but the OC's defence was resolute and looked comfortable until a passed clearance was controlled by the CM midfielders hand and passed to the off-side striker who had an easy task of putting the ball in the net. The ref allowing the goal despite OC's protests and the obvious embarrassment of the oppo who even apologised!! I don't think the fact the ref used to be CM player had anything to do with it!!!!
This was quickly followed by another long ball being pumped up to their attack which the OC defence won again dropping in midfield and with no OC's players challenging for the ball the CM midfielder all alone on the edge of the box drove it into the goal 2-1 down there was no way back for OC's .
A big performance is needed next week and hopefully there will be a few people worried about their places and the 2nds can get back to winning ways. And consign this defeat to being just a blip In a potentially great season.!!!
Man Of The Match: Jamie (Worryingly Again) Sorry Bevo know you wanted it!!!!
Report by Stuart Weidner
