Post by slush on Oct 31, 2006 7:20:39 GMT
By (Old) George that’s better!
Easington Utd Reserves 2 – 2 Old George FC
Manager John Clarke was delighted with his players despite seeing them let slip a two-goal lead at home to unbeaten Premier Division leaders Old George last weekend.
Depleted by injuries and absences – the home-bound Steve Redman provided Clarke’s only real bench option despite Mike Hooley’s willingness to “give it a go” if required – the Stiffs tore into their opponents and looked on course to secure a memorable win when Darren Thompson bagged a brace (that’s six in the last three games for the youngster).
But the Goole side, who hadn’t so much as dropped a point in their first six league matches, rallied to at least preserve their unbeaten record courtesy of two second half strikes.
Adopting a 3-5-2 formation, Clarke saw his side immediately seize the initiative in midfield thanks to the industrious quintet of Cousins, Senior, Brown, Biglin and Metcalf.
With youngsters Thompson and Luke Smith not allowing defenders to settle, it was no surprise when Easington took the lead 15 minutes in. Pasha Brown’s header gave Thompson something to chase and the keeper, with one eye on the onrushing striker, completely air-kicked his attempted clearance leaving ‘Thommo’ with the simplest of tap-ins.
By half-time the game could have been as good as won.
Twice Ricky Biglin orchestrated good opportunities; first putting Thompson through on goal but this time the striker’s aim was awry, then releasing Adam Metcalf but, similar to his chance against Northfield, the midfielder had just too much time to think and shot straight at the keeper.
Still, any disappointment over missed chances was put to one side five minutes into the second half when Thompson doubled the lead.
And what a good goal it was. Metcalf started things from the back and fed Biglin who combined with Smith down the right before whipping in a cross that Thompson met first time to send the ball flashing in off the far post for 2-0.
If the lead could have been held for 10-15 minutes, the chances are the Stiffs would have been celebrating victory over the leaders.
The visitors had already seen three players cautioned as their frustration at events manifested itself in several late “tackles” and off-the-ball niggles. But they were given hope with a “soft” goal soon after Thompson’s second, the otherwise impressive rearguard of McNaught, Foster and Campbell for once going to sleep and allowing an easy far post finish.
Midway through the half the Georgians were level, courtesy of a bullet-like header at a corner, and for the remainder of the game it was they who looked the more likely; although Thompson could have won it for Easington when striking the bar late on.
The boss found it impossible to name a ‘man of the match’ at the close, instead highlighting the contribution of all eleven on duty.
After the largest home crowd of the season had witnessed the shocking defensive display against Northfield the week before, what a pity only twenty-odd souls were present to witness such a heartening effort this time round. Now to reproduce this level of performance for the remainder of the campaign…
Easington: S Eldon, A McNaught, D Campbell, C Foster, A Metcalf, C Senior, P Brown, L Smith, D Thomson, J Cousins (Sub not used: S Redman)
Easington Utd Reserves 2 – 2 Old George FC
Manager John Clarke was delighted with his players despite seeing them let slip a two-goal lead at home to unbeaten Premier Division leaders Old George last weekend.
Depleted by injuries and absences – the home-bound Steve Redman provided Clarke’s only real bench option despite Mike Hooley’s willingness to “give it a go” if required – the Stiffs tore into their opponents and looked on course to secure a memorable win when Darren Thompson bagged a brace (that’s six in the last three games for the youngster).
But the Goole side, who hadn’t so much as dropped a point in their first six league matches, rallied to at least preserve their unbeaten record courtesy of two second half strikes.
Adopting a 3-5-2 formation, Clarke saw his side immediately seize the initiative in midfield thanks to the industrious quintet of Cousins, Senior, Brown, Biglin and Metcalf.
With youngsters Thompson and Luke Smith not allowing defenders to settle, it was no surprise when Easington took the lead 15 minutes in. Pasha Brown’s header gave Thompson something to chase and the keeper, with one eye on the onrushing striker, completely air-kicked his attempted clearance leaving ‘Thommo’ with the simplest of tap-ins.
By half-time the game could have been as good as won.
Twice Ricky Biglin orchestrated good opportunities; first putting Thompson through on goal but this time the striker’s aim was awry, then releasing Adam Metcalf but, similar to his chance against Northfield, the midfielder had just too much time to think and shot straight at the keeper.
Still, any disappointment over missed chances was put to one side five minutes into the second half when Thompson doubled the lead.
And what a good goal it was. Metcalf started things from the back and fed Biglin who combined with Smith down the right before whipping in a cross that Thompson met first time to send the ball flashing in off the far post for 2-0.
If the lead could have been held for 10-15 minutes, the chances are the Stiffs would have been celebrating victory over the leaders.
The visitors had already seen three players cautioned as their frustration at events manifested itself in several late “tackles” and off-the-ball niggles. But they were given hope with a “soft” goal soon after Thompson’s second, the otherwise impressive rearguard of McNaught, Foster and Campbell for once going to sleep and allowing an easy far post finish.
Midway through the half the Georgians were level, courtesy of a bullet-like header at a corner, and for the remainder of the game it was they who looked the more likely; although Thompson could have won it for Easington when striking the bar late on.
The boss found it impossible to name a ‘man of the match’ at the close, instead highlighting the contribution of all eleven on duty.
After the largest home crowd of the season had witnessed the shocking defensive display against Northfield the week before, what a pity only twenty-odd souls were present to witness such a heartening effort this time round. Now to reproduce this level of performance for the remainder of the campaign…
Easington: S Eldon, A McNaught, D Campbell, C Foster, A Metcalf, C Senior, P Brown, L Smith, D Thomson, J Cousins (Sub not used: S Redman)