Mens 2nd XI Match Report
Potters Bar 2nd XI v St Albans Citizens
25 September 2010 | by Richard Hughes
A superb performance from a new look Bar second eleven was more than enough for the well organised Saint Albans Citizens. Having missed out on promotion by just two points last season following a string of early defeats a good start to the season was vital – and the 2s delivered just that.
Early possession favoured Bar with Paul Brady and George Nye dominating midfield proceedings. Quick passing and good use of the wings opened up Saint Albans on several occasions but a resolute defence kept the Bar shot count low. However a goal seemed inevitable and was duly delivered by Freddy Waite roughly mid-way through the first half. Saint Albans responded well to going a goal down and Bar sustained a period of pressure with the opposition looking to draw level. However Bar pushed back and soon regained control of proceedings and fully deserved their second goal – scored by Andy Stokes in the dying moments of the first half.
The hairdryer was left firmly in the kit bag by Spencer and the half time talk centered around keeping up the great play. Keeping a clean sheet during the early stages of the second half was always going to be key and despite the predicted push from the opposition Bar did just that – thanks in no small part to tenacious tackling from debutant Nishal Shah and the usual assured displays from Ed Ogbourne and Jon Yates. Bar were however forced to defend a couple of short corners and Jordan Page was required to make his one and only save, but further goals seemed inevitable for the by now marauding 2s.
Miles Edson was a persistent threat down the right wing with great running and attacking play. However it was a shot from the left wing by James McCormick – promoted to the seconds at short notice but surely destined now to be a twos regular this season after a superb performance - that led to the third for Bar. James’ shot ricocheted off the post into the path of Andrew Stokes who needed no further invitation to score his second of the game.
From there on in a win was pretty much a certainty and Dan Sones provided the icing on the cake with a goal on his debut. Further goals always looked likely but when the full time whistle came the score remained 4-0 to Potters Bar.
Saint Albans Citizens (who played the game in fantastic spirit throughout) have been promoted in both of their two previous years in existence and on the basis of their performance will undoubtedly do well again this season. However they came up against an extremely strong Bar 2’s who are targeting promotion this season as a minimum. The challenge for Bar now is to maintain the same level of play all season in which case division 6 must beckon next year.
Next week the seconds travel to Southgate Adelaide 2’s.
Final Score: Potters Bar 4 - 0 St Albans Citizens
Goal Scorers: Freddy Waite, Andy Stokes (2), James McCormick
Team:
« Back to Match Reports