12/09/2009

Dorset League Division 2

Sturminster Marshall Res 5  AC Matravers Res 1

After a disappointing start to the season, the Reserves welcomed AC Matravers to Churchill close who had yet to get their league campaign underway. Several changes made to the starting line up from the previous week as Stur looked to get back to winning ways. 

With the whistle sounding to get the game underway it took less than 2 minutes for the visitors to open the scoring as they caught the new look back four sleeping and capitalised straight away. 

The goal didn’t seem to cause any real panic from the Stur boys as it was soon realised that the visitors didn’t have much more to offer than the physical side to their game and the home side began to keep the ball a little better after a shaky 15 minutes or so. Stur began to settle a bit more on the ball and the only thing missing appeared to be that quality ball in the final third and the clinical finishing that is usually ever present. The first half saw chances come and go as Jones, Geddes and Mete all had chances but were unable to make the most of them. 

Half time came and went with manager Foster not too displeased with the first half performance as he urged the lads to be more clinical in front of goal. The troops were sent out for the second half with no changes being made and were tasked with overturning the 1 goal deficit.

With only 5 minutes gone in the second half along came the game changing moment and for all the wrong reasons! A poor backwards header from Love left Dickinson in the Marshall goal scrambling off his goal line with the AC striker always favourite to get to the ball before him. Inevitably this was the case and as the AC forward lifted the ball over Dickinson he had no choice other than to handle it outside the box or it was surely a 2nd goal for the visitors. The handball was spotted by the referee who had no option but to send off the keeper.

Foster quickly sounded out skipper Lambert to get someone to take the keepers jersey and gloves and in true captain fashion he took the duties himself without hesitation….. Well maybe a little.  

The resulting free kick from the sending off was tipped away by stand in keeper Lambert and the Marshall lads didn’t look back from then on. 

Stur went to 3 at the back with Miller moving into the centre of midfield alongside Erkan as the reserves went in search of an equaliser. The changes had an instant reward with Miller bursting into the visitor’s area passing 3 players unchallenged before providing the perfect cut back for Steve Johnston to slot home. 

1 – 1 and it wasn’t long before Marshall took the lead. This time it was Miller who was rewarded with a simple finish after good work by Logan.

The goals were free flowing now and some great play by the always impressive Jones, who dropped down from the first team, saw Logan get himself on the score sheet as he rewarded the management for giving him a rare start.

3 – 1 up and comfortable, 10 man Stur continued to move the ball well and make light work of being a man down. It took a smart save from Lambert at the feet of an AC forward to keep a healthy lead for the home side before we managed to put the game out of sight with around 15 minutes remaining. Again clever work from Jones down the right channel saw him burst into the area only to hit the woodwork but there were no mistakes with the follow us as Luke Geddes got himself his first goal of the season with a simple tap in. 4 – 1. 

The 4^th goal saw some fresh legs introduced with Jack Geddes replacing Logan with 10 minutes remaining. A slight knock saw Miller replaced by Tommy Hawes in the centre of midfield, slightly different to his usual left back slot. With only 5 minutes for Hawes to make an impression it took him all but 1 minute to get himself in on the act. This time it was an attacking run from Jack Geddes down the right flank who in turn picked out Hawes and he made no mistake as he rifled home with possibly his first touch of the game. 5 – 1. 

The fun had to end eventually as the final whistle sounded with the players, management and supporters all celebrating a fine second half display from the home side.

Only two players fined this week. The first being Ryan Hall for his late arrival and Steve Johnston being the second as he failed to return to the Churchill after the game.

 Well done lads!!!