Newcome Arms Blues vs Stronstad Utd
Well after 20 matches it was down to the final 90 minutes for Stronstad Utd as they looked to finish the season as they started with a win. Throughout the last 20 matches we have had highs and lows as Stronstad Utd looked to finish the highest out all the promoted teams from last season. With some memorable victories and great team performances under the Maroon belt Stronstad wanted to put in a performance that would seal the win and also have fun as well.
This match was not only important as 3 points would mean 3rd spot but also 3 players still had a chance of winning the top goal scorer award with Ian Privett and Steve Beech on 7 goals and Dan Moore 1 goal behind with 6 goals. It was going to be a three way shoot out to see who would be crowd Stronstad Utd’s top goal scorer 2010/2011.
Latest Odds
Steve Beech 10/1
Ian Privett 10/1
Dan Moore 15/1
Jeff Needham 1000/1
As soon as the referee blew the whistle Stronstad went all out attack with an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation with Dan Moore, Steve Beech and Ian Privett leading the attack but they were all having an off day with all three strikers missing chances in the opening 45 minutes. Stronstad should have had the dream start as they were awarded a penalty after only 5 minutes of play. The penalty came as a result of hand ball even though the ball was put into the back of the net from Jeff Needham. From the resulting penalty Jeff Needham who had not scored all season stepped up before spooning his penalty well wide of the Newcombe Arms goal and his moment of glory was snatched away from him.
At the other end Newcombe almost snatched the lead with their first real attack. The ball was played through to the Newcombe striker and he outran Gary Cowell before sending a stinging effort that Robert Pearson managed to beat away and then clam the rebound. The front 3 for Stronstad were struggling to put the ball in the net and when they did put the ball away they were denied by the linesman’s flag. 15 minutes into the game though Stronstad managed to get the opening goal. Captain and defender Gareth Spicer went up for a free kick and from Roger Campbell’s free kick the ball was launched into the box where Gareth Spicer floated like a butterfly and headed home from 6 yards out to put the Stronstad striker force to shame.
The goal lifted Stronstad and they continued to pressure the Newcombe Arms defence but could not find the killer touch in front of goal with Roger Campbell clearing the bar after finding space and Luke Roystone seeing his stinging effort turned away by the Newcombe Arms keeper. Roger Campbell then tried his luck from long range but his effort was turned over. Steve Beech then had a couple of good chances but he lobbed wide and missed from close range. At the other end Jon Way produced a brilliant tackle to deny two Newcombe Arms players who managed to evade two Stronstad tackled but Jon Way managed to play the ball and both Newcombe players which resulted in one of the players being stretchered off.
Half Time:- Newcombe Arms Blue 0 Stronstad Utd 1
Last 45 Minutes Of The Season
It was all one way traffic in the second half as Stronstad continued to pressure Newcombe but still could not get the important second goal and you could tell that things were getting to some Stronstad players as a few players started to argue about miss placed passes and wasted crosses.
With 20 minutes to go Stronstad got the all important 2nd goal. With the strikers firing blanks Ian Privett who had wasted a few good chances managed to get his name on the score sheet. A through ball from a Stronstad player (Not sure who) released Ian Privett who took the ball past the Newcombe Arms keeper and his shot was going in but a Newcombe Arms managed to get his toe to the ball but instead of clearing the ball he whacked it against the post and into the back of the net to make the score 2-0.
The flood gates were starting to open and Stronstad with breathing space started to play some football. Dave George came close to adding his name to the scorer list but his dipping effort hit the post and the rebounds was cleared back to Dave George who managed to find row Z. Jon Way then ventured forward but could not get his shot away but the ball fell to Roger Campbell who took aim and fired past the Newcombe Arms goalkeeper to make the score 3-0.
At the other end a timely tackle from Paul McKay denied Newcombe Arms a goal as the player teed up a shot but it was blocked and Gareth Spicer completed the clearance.
The confidence was coming back to Stronstad and from a good move Steve Beech was played through and he slotted past the advancing Newcombe Arms keeper to make the score 4-0 and 3rd spot in the league was sealed.
Then came a moment of history as Andy Stamp returned to action as he played the last 2 minutes of the match. It was almost a dream return as he came within inches of connecting to a long ball into the box but he could not get up high enough and the chance went.
Full Time:- Newcombe Arms Blues 0 Stronstad Utd 4
