Penfold Rangers 0
Beacy arms 0
Match report.
This fixture is fast turning into an anti-sunday league fixture. Over the course of the last three meetings a total of 2 goals have be scored, indicating that whilst both teams are on top of their games defensively they both struggle to create enough chances to win the fixture, it could be said in general this has summed up our performances in recent weeks and this is not limited to just Penfold fixtures.
Team news saw returns to the sqaud for Dave Roberts and mike O'connor whilst javi & Carpy missed out due to work commitments. A squad of 14 had been names although Shaun was running late and therefore at kick off we had 13 to choose from with Roberts and gray being named as sub, whilst a change in shape saw us play 4-3-3 with Davies, O'connor and Ryan starting in a new look front 3.
Penfold began the first half well and for the first 20 minutes we were on the back foot and struggling to gain control. Some good defending and one good save in particular kept us on level terms. We also had a referring call go in our favour when Wingfield tangled with Henry clarke who could feel aggrieved not to win a penalty, they say decisions even themselves out across the season and maybe we deserved some luck after last few weeks. From then on we had much the better of the first half, Davies looking lively and without a bobble would of surely have tested the keeper from 16 yards out following Ryan cokers through ball. Several corners where forced one of which saw Ryan's powerful header cleared of the line, whilst a few minutes later a break away saw O'connor Fire just over. Prior to half time Bumpstead got caught in the face for the second week running, resulting in a cut lip & with little else happening it was half time 0-0.
Second half began with no changes, and from the off large periods where contested in midfield with both teams cancelling each other out. Davies who was working extremely hard was causing issues on the right hand side, and It looked as though any early second half breakthrough would involve him. A long ball forward found Ryan Coker who beat ha defender and found himself bearing down on ï¸goal at an angle, unfortunately his well struck shot went over the bar. Chances continued to be few and far between, again we forced several corners and despite good delivery we couldn't capitalise. On 75 minutes manger Gunnell made a triple sub with Roberts, gray & Shaun Coker relaxing Ryan, mike & wilko, minutes later penfolds one good chance saw a good stop from summers followed by a goaline clearance from skipper Matt Gunnell. Both sides continued to huff and puff and must take credit for both searching for a winner and not sitting back and taking a point, however with a lack of quality the game came to a rather inevitable conclusion, a 0-0 draw which doesn't really suit either side.
Frustrating draw, everyone worked hard for eachother, continued lack of goals is becoming a major worry, defensively superb again, think that's 7 clean sheets for the season.
Man of match - rich Davies - worked so hard for the team today.
Ratings
Summers - 7
Wilkinson - 7
Bumpstead - 7.5
Gunnell - 7.5
Wingfield - 7
Ebberson - 7
Piercey - 7
Douglas - 7
O'connor - 7
Davies - 8
R.Coker - 7
Subs
Roberts - 6.5
Gray - 6.5
S.Coker - 6.5
Onward and upwards - 18 points to play for. Need a win badly !
