Stronstad Utd vs Cowplain Utd Xi’s
With a strong wind behind Stronstad in the first half a new look Stronstad side looked to get an early foot hold in this match but both teams struggled to deal with a very heavy pitch at Farlington this morning. The first real chance fell to Dan Moore after a ball to the edge of the Cowplain penalty saw Steve Beech hold the ball up and then his lay off to the on rushing Dan Moore whose shot was easily saved by the Cowplain keeper.
At the other end Stronstad had to deal with a very good Cowplain striker force with captain Gareth Spicer and Jeff Needham putting in vital blocks and timely tackles to stop the Cowplain strikers from troubling Ian Privett. 5 minutes later Stronstad maybe should have taken the lead as a slick passing move saw the ball played through to Dan Moore who was through on goal but his low drive from inside the penalty area was well saved by the Cowplain goalkeeper. This then lifted Cowplain who with the next attack opened the goal scoring. The ball was worked out to the Stronstad right where the Cowplain player cut inside the penalty area and despite the best efforts from Jon Way the ball was blasted home at Ian Privett’s near post to give Cowplain the lead.
This goal knocked the stuffing out of Stronstad who had battled hard and soon after the first goal went in the next Cowplain goal flew in. Cowplain who were getting use to the heavy pitch were putting some simple passes together and they soon carved open the Stronstad defence again and with a through ball it released the Cowplain striker who slotted the ball past Ian Privett to make the score 2-0.
Then came a moment of controversy as a long ball played up to Steve Beech was missed by the Cowplain player on the half way line and with the whole of the Cowplain half to run into Steve Beech carried the ball to the edge of the Cowplain box but his progress was halted by the Cowplain player who was the last man. The referee awarded the free kick but failed to send the offending player off. From the resulting free kick new signing Mark Gear’s free kick ballooned wide of the Cowplain goal.
To rub salt into the wound Cowplain hit Stronstad with a 3rd goal before half time. The ball was played down the Stronstad right and as Jon Way closed the Cowplain player down and with no options in the box the Cowplain players attempted lob across the box somehow floated over the stranded Ian Privett and into the back of the net to make the score 3-0.
Half Time:- Stronstad Utd 0 Cowplain Xi’s 3
In the second half Stronstad battled hard again but it was not going to be there day as Cowplain rattled 3 goals home with the aid of some unfortunately deflections which was cruel of Stronstad who continued to battle away against a much fitter and skilful Cowplain side. The only delight Stronstad had was scoring a penalty as Mark Gear’s run into the box was halted by a Cowplain leg. Mark Gear’s penalty was tucked home.
Full Time:- Stronstad Utd 1 Cowplain Utd Xi’s 6
