Match Review

14th January 2001 Burton Joyce 3 v 2 Gotham Rangers

Scorers: Oliver Woodward (2), Tom Parkinson

The 11.30 kick-off meant that the thick frost had cleared from the pitch. We followed the Under 10's who were also at home. We had done our homework for this one, we had to watch No. 6 (Weightman) who proved to be our undoing in the first half of the away match against Gotham earlier in the season. Chris Jackson had been assigned the duty of marking him as he did in the 2nd half of the other match to good effect. Mathew Powroznyk was told to play a sweeping role.

The game started briskly as expected, the managers had been kept busy before the match encouraging the boys to keep warm and now they were allowed to run in earnest. After just 5 minutes Sam Smith made one of his trademark jinky runs, passed to Oliver Woodward who duly slotted the ball into the net, 1-0. BJ piled on more pressure with Sam nearly scoring himself, he was denied by the Gotham goalkeeper. A goalmouth scramble nearly produced another but the result was just wide by Anthony Kefer. BJ were caught out 5 minutes later when a superbly struck shot left Jamie Gibbs with no chance. BJ were a little shell-shocked after applying all that pressure. Two more chances fell to BJ, Oliver Woodward made a terrific run down the right side and his fierce shot was deflected for a corner, James Bird also nearly scored but put the ball just wide. Half Time 1-1

The second half started with more pressure from BJ, Mathew Powroznyk was to defend deep to stop the quick counter attacks. Tom Parkinson got straight into the action with a firmly struck shot which the goalkeeper just managed to hold. The second BJ goal came when Oliver Woodward lined up a shot from outside the area which was going in as soon as it left his foot, 2-1. After that BJ came close to adding TWO more when Sam Smith first hit the post and then the cross-bar. Unfortunately that dreaded counter attack came and with our defence in tatters for a moment Gotham crept in to equalise 2-2.

Just when it looked like it would stay at 2-2, Tom Parkinson hit what was to be the winner with a terrific shot from the edge of the area. The BJ crowd went mad, probably the wildest they have been all season. Referee Paul Woodward signalled 7 minutes to go which must have been the longest 7 minutes of the season, but he eventually blew to everyones relief.

Verdict : A close game and a very rewarding victory.

Manager's Comment : "What a match! The lads worked really hard in all positions. The crowd certainly were warm at the end!"

Performance of the Week : Sam Smith - Sam worked hard though the whole game and made loads of chances for us. He caused problems for Gotham in the entire match. Well Done Sam!

NOTE: Sam starts his sessions with Nottingham Forest this week - we wish him all the best -just remember us when you're on THIS IS YOUR LIFE Sam!

To see Sam with his award Click here



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