Post by slush on Oct 17, 2006 11:23:42 GMT
Clubley sees first shoots of recovery
ERCFA Junior Country Cup Round 1
Easington Utd Casuals 2 – 4 Leven MC Reserves
A fourth successive defeat for the Casuals but this one left manager Clubley with the sense that perhaps things are “bottoming-out” a little!
Another depleted squad at least managed to play some decent football in front of a small but appreciative crowd and, but for some ill-fortune in front of goal and a couple of crucial decisions by a poor referee, they could well have been celebrating a place in round two.
With Matty Findley (working) and Brett Fisk (tailing) joining an increasing absent list, Clubley was pleased to add Ward and Hobson (both initially working) and the returning elder Purse to his threadbare squad. In addition his ranks were bolstered by Adam Swaby and ‘Bezza’ Barnett coming down from the Reserves, following clearance by the ERCFA.
With Rutter’s latest comeback again halted by injury, Chris Smith made his full debut alongside Swaby in midfield and it was here where the Casuals really got a grip of things early doors.
Indeed they could count themselves very unfortunate to come in at half-time a goal down; Ian Thurkettle fumbling a free kick allowing a Leven player to score from six yards.
Unfortunately, a slack start to the second period saw Leven go three up and threaten a repeat of their opening day league success.
First came a free header on 55mins, after possession had been lost on halfway; then a third on the hour courtesy of a harshly awarded free-kick against Ward.
But the locals battled back. Matty Purse capped another encouraging display with his side’s first, following a scramble in the Leven goalmouth, and when brother Joni – on for the shattered Smith – saw his free kick squirm its way through for 2-3, the home crowd sensed a terrific comeback.
And so it could have been but after chances had proceeded to pass the Casuals by, Leven hit them on the counter with a decisive – and quality – fourth goal late on.
On another day it could have been different. Barnett saw the keeper deny him with one fortuitous save with his legs, Rich Clubley went close and Matty Purse hit the woodwork; Purse was also particularly unlucky to be booked for diving in the box when it appeared he’d been hauled down.
Afterwards, Clubley praised his side for their improved showing, singling out Swaby for an influential display in the centre of midfield.
Easington: I Thurkettle, S Ward (Hobson), S Cousins, A Swaby, I McNaught, S Redman, D Clubley, C Smith (J Purse), A Barnett, R Clubley, M Purse
Leven: S Price, B Frith, C Beadle, A Tindall, C Hobson, R Hart, M Wilson, L Burchell, A Sadler, M Harrison, S Denyer (Subs: D Clark, J Daniels, D Rothwell)
Referee: Mr. G. Della Sega (Hull)
ERCFA Junior Country Cup Round 1
Easington Utd Casuals 2 – 4 Leven MC Reserves
A fourth successive defeat for the Casuals but this one left manager Clubley with the sense that perhaps things are “bottoming-out” a little!
Another depleted squad at least managed to play some decent football in front of a small but appreciative crowd and, but for some ill-fortune in front of goal and a couple of crucial decisions by a poor referee, they could well have been celebrating a place in round two.
With Matty Findley (working) and Brett Fisk (tailing) joining an increasing absent list, Clubley was pleased to add Ward and Hobson (both initially working) and the returning elder Purse to his threadbare squad. In addition his ranks were bolstered by Adam Swaby and ‘Bezza’ Barnett coming down from the Reserves, following clearance by the ERCFA.
With Rutter’s latest comeback again halted by injury, Chris Smith made his full debut alongside Swaby in midfield and it was here where the Casuals really got a grip of things early doors.
Indeed they could count themselves very unfortunate to come in at half-time a goal down; Ian Thurkettle fumbling a free kick allowing a Leven player to score from six yards.
Unfortunately, a slack start to the second period saw Leven go three up and threaten a repeat of their opening day league success.
First came a free header on 55mins, after possession had been lost on halfway; then a third on the hour courtesy of a harshly awarded free-kick against Ward.
But the locals battled back. Matty Purse capped another encouraging display with his side’s first, following a scramble in the Leven goalmouth, and when brother Joni – on for the shattered Smith – saw his free kick squirm its way through for 2-3, the home crowd sensed a terrific comeback.
And so it could have been but after chances had proceeded to pass the Casuals by, Leven hit them on the counter with a decisive – and quality – fourth goal late on.
On another day it could have been different. Barnett saw the keeper deny him with one fortuitous save with his legs, Rich Clubley went close and Matty Purse hit the woodwork; Purse was also particularly unlucky to be booked for diving in the box when it appeared he’d been hauled down.
Afterwards, Clubley praised his side for their improved showing, singling out Swaby for an influential display in the centre of midfield.
Easington: I Thurkettle, S Ward (Hobson), S Cousins, A Swaby, I McNaught, S Redman, D Clubley, C Smith (J Purse), A Barnett, R Clubley, M Purse
Leven: S Price, B Frith, C Beadle, A Tindall, C Hobson, R Hart, M Wilson, L Burchell, A Sadler, M Harrison, S Denyer (Subs: D Clark, J Daniels, D Rothwell)
Referee: Mr. G. Della Sega (Hull)