Talbot Paige-Jones
Memorial Shield
Quarter Finals Cup Match
12th December 2009
Team: Howl, McNab, Hood, Russell, Sinclair, Middleton, Price
Subs: Lister, Woodland
Back to the cup this week and up against our local rivals, who we
played last week Droitwich Spa Wolves. After the impressive display
last week the supporters are hopeful that we can progress to the
semi’s, but in cup games anything can happen. Last weeks man of the
match, Olver is the only absentee, thankfully we have strength in
depth in the squad, so fingers crossed his loss won’t be felt too
much.
Middleton and Russell are working well together with some crisp one
– two’s, but can’t get the lucky break in these early stages. Droitwich
look like a side that have had a stern talking too after last weeks
defeat, they are pressing hard and seem to be first to every ball.
Westbury need to step it up a level, thankfully Hood is defending
well and keeping the tall Droitwich player in check.
Russell broke free into the box was about to shoot when he was
brought down, referee points to the spot, penalty. This could settle
the nerves. Hood steps up, fires it low and hard, but unfortunately
straight at the keeper, never mind, another day the net would have
been moving.
Westbury are starting to get into the game more Russell and Sinclair
are working hard down the wings, looking to release Middleton, but
Droitwich are defending in numbers. Howl makes a fantastic save to
his right from a shot from the Droitwich striker, but can’t keep
hold of it, and the Droitwich player reacts first and taps the loose
ball in the net, 0-1.
It’s a very tight game but the Droitwich drive and intensity is
slightly edging it, I think the loss last week hurt them. Russell
again breaks free, he twists and turns round the defenders but just
couldn’t get his final ball on target. This attack seamed to spur on
Droitwich who pressed forward again, the striker was free but McNab
was superb and cleared the ball, again in was McNab with a header to
clear the danger, from the throw in.
A couple of subs Lister on for Sinclair and Middleton on for Price,
Middleton laid a lovely ball to the newcomer Lister who’s shot was
just wide, as the first half came to a close it was end to end, with
Howl having a good workout with a succession of top drawer saves, to
keep the game within reach.
Half Time 0 - 1
Second half underway, difficult one to call Droitwich looked the
hungrier side in the first half, but only one goal separates the
teams. Droitwich start brightly but Woodland tracks back and defends
well to break down the attack and set a Westbury attack going. Very
even again in the second half both teams are pressing, but the
supporters get the feeling Droitwich seem to want it more. Couple
of subs, Lister off Price back on and Middleton off Sinclair back
into the attack.
Price who is just on is again solidly defending and lays a great
ball to Russell, who slips it to Hood, but the shot is blocked, the
game is end to end again and a Droitwich shot is cleared off the
line by Price, the next shot is blocked by Hood throwing himself at
the ball, great defending.
Westbury are still pressing using the space but can’t seam to catch
a break, sometimes luck is not on your side. Droitwich win a free
kick just outside the area, no denying it was a good shot goal 0 -
2.
It looked all over as the game draws to a close, but Woodland breaks
free through the middle of the pitch and fires his shot, goal 1-2,
but that was the last kick of the game as the referee blows for full
time.
Full Time: 1 - 2
MOTM: Price
This has been coming for a few games now, Price has had an excellent
start to the 09/10 season, every game he has worked hard and
defended superbly. This was a tough game Droitwich pressed hard in
both halves, and the scoreline could have been more if it wasn’t for
Price. Excellent today well done Price thoroughly deserved.
Managers' Comments
Overall, a disappointing performance, we highlighted before the game
that some of you weren't concentrating today and thought it was
going to be a stroll in the park. We lacked discipline, passing and
control but most of all effort.
On a positive note, Howl put in a sterling performance which stopped
the score line being significantly higher.
Man of the match was an easy choice, as the report states this
accolade has been coming, his fearless performance against players a
foot taller, preventing a bigger defeat and his ability to turn
defensive tackles in to attacking moves was good to see, well done
Price, well deserved. |
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