DR LILLEY CUP 1st ROUND
BARHAM BOYS v DCSI RHINOS
Having faith is important. Todays game would need the extra 20% a big game needs to help earn a result. A potentially “tired” side from a night out on Saturday would potentially reduce energy levels, but experience shows that a positive team event can be a benefit for a big game on a Sunday.
This proved to be the case as the standard of football in possession was positive, flowing and intelligent. Defence also was tight, strong and assured. This was a game where the true class would show and although Rhinos had some good momentum, Barham dug out a gritty result.
Missing a couple of players there was a little reorganising, but essentially this was the same team which ground out a result the previous week against Bridlington.
Tyas and Marrow combined well in the centre, Millar and Robson stretched the play with good width, Morrill linked up well with the midfield whilst Coulman ran the line well causing havoc in the Rhinos defence.
Mckenzie provided sturdy support for a classy Mitchell who pressed and tackled superbly throughout the 90mins. Varney was unbeatable at left back and brought out the ball cleverly down the wing, whilst Clark worked hard and was resilient, again moving the ball well out of defence.
Between the sticks Winsor never looks phased, excellent positioning and safe handling never allowed Rhinos any real hope of scoring in the second half, saving everything they could throw at him.
Ingham added some strength into the centre in the second half whilst Kwakye kept the Rhinos busy with some strong play.
The first goal linked up some good play on the left with Robson feeding Coulman to get in behind the Rhinos defence laying a quality ball into Millars feet for a sweet finish. In any game each side will enjoy some momentum and Rhinos enjoyed a spell of play before half time which saw a sneaky equaliser and a shot off the post. Barhams hard working defence deserved some of the luck to keep Rhinos at bay.
In the second half the game was tight, chances at either end to take the lead, but good work from Millar, then onto Coulman whos shot rebounded at the far post to the supporting Morrill who smashed the ball into the top of the net.
A typical end to end Cup match continued, again Rhinos hit the woodwork with a speculative shot from outside the area, but Rhinos couldn’t find the time or space to really force an equaliser. To a man Barham battled to ensure the lead was maintained and ultimately a deserved victory was confirmed by the final whistle. Another good spirited game between these two rivals.
