|
OPPOSITION |
Royston
3 Home Astro W 1-0 Danny Becker |
|
Like the game the week before, this was a must-win match for the Bar. Royston were just below us in the league and we needed a number more victories to be sure to avoid relegation. The previous week, Bar had managed only a draw against bottom-of-the-league Hertford, so the pressure was on. With the injury problem not going away, a player recruitment rallying cry had been sent out the week before. The response was very impressive, with the result that 16 players plus an umpire turned up at the match. Whilst juggling 5 substitutes did present the captain with a minor headache, this turn-out is a great sign for the future. We were very pleased to be giving debuts to Dave Smith, Matt Williams and Richard Wells. The game started at a rapid pace. Memories of the away match earlier in the season had to be put to one side as it soon became apparent that this Royston team was much more experienced and skilful than the team we played and beat then. Royston were displaying the better of the skill but Bar matched that with a high work rate, ensuring that the opening period was very close. Half chances eventually developed at both ends, with both teams being awarded a couple of short corners by around 25 minutes in. Neither team was able to capitalise on those. The keepers at both ends made good saves, keeping the score at 0-0. A particularly spectacular save by Bar newcomer Dave Smith saw him keeping the ball out with the sole of his foot – whether he tripped or made a targeted dive didn’t matter – it was a great save. On 30 minutes, Danny Becker was quietly musing to himself whether decisions of umpires should be consistent. There was not time to reach a conclusion as his musings were interrupted by his having to enter into a conversation with the Royston umpire about whether he would like to receive a card. The deliberations took some time, but in the end they decided not. The umpire encounter left Danny pumped up. Just 2 minutes later, when Bar were awarded a short corner, the hit out reached Andy Latham but the defence were on him quickly and he was forced to dribbled towards goal. After getting past two defenders that way, an accurate pass to Danny Becker gave an opportunity. His well-despatched shot from short range found the backboards to put Bar ahead. This was just the end to the first half that Bar needed. The second half started at a similar pace to the first half and a number of half-chances opened up at each end. Pigden rightly felt hard done by not to be awarded a short corner or more when he was de-sticked by the Royston keeper. In the latter stages, Royston tired more than Bar, giving Bar some good opportunities when gaps opened up in the defence. Liam Frame, on his return to the side put in much energy in the midfield and helped create chances with his foraging runs. Bar missed some good chances, including a rare shot by Brady that missed the right-hand post by an inch. In the end the final whistle came before any more goals and so the match ended 1-0 to PB. Overall this was a well-earned win for PB. They were up against a skilful Royston team that was well-organised in defence and midfield. On occasions, Royston seemed to lack confidence going forward and passed backwards from the midfield rather than pressing forwards. This meant that Bar were able to concentrate on their attack which they did very well! Most notable performances: Dave Smith in goal and Danny Becker/Liam Frame/Owen Hughes in midfield. Team: Dave Smith, Chris Edwards, Richard Atkins, Cliff Hawkins, Toby Seaman, Paul Brady, Owen Hughes, David Fennell, Daniel Adams, Danny Becker, Liam Frame, Andy Latham, Adam Pigden, Howard Lancaster, Richard Wells, Matt Williams PB Umpire: Dave Frame
|
|
|
|
|