Match Review

17th December 2000 Burton Joyce 13 v 0 Ruddington B
Scorers: Sam Smith(3), Anthony Kefer(3), James Bird(3), James Clark(2), Oliver Woodward, Tom Parkinson

The Poplars in renowned for being cold when the wind blows but today there was no wind and it was freezing. It was also foggy but both goals were visible so the game went ahead as planned. The boys were told before the game that their 12-0 result at Ruddington earlier in the season was not likely to be repeated.

The game started briskly and BJ were lucky to go one ahead after only two minutes when Anthony Kefer skilfully slotted the ball into the net from close range. Sam Smith made it two a minute later with a superb solo effort. Sam was on target again a few moments later but was thwarted by the Ruddington goalkeeper. BJ maintained the pressure and Tom Parkinson was unlucky to hit the post with a well struck shot, Toms reward was to come later. Continued pressure resulted in another goal from Sam Smith and then another from Anthony Kefer who turned a shot from James Bird into the net. Sam Smith added his 3rd of the match (and his 21st of the season!) shortly after, sidefooting the ball into the net from a cross.

Ruddington refused to give up and shortly after a well struck shot slammed into the side netting. BJ manager Andy Parkinson brought on James Clark for Anthony Kefer and with 11 seconds of arriving on the pitch scored a superb goal. This must be some sort of record. Oliver Woodward, who was playing his usual harrying game, got on the score sheet after turning in the ball after a corner. James Bird scored just before half time to make the score 8-0. BJ had a scare just before half time when Oliver Woodward handballed in the area - penalty! Jamie Gibbs made a terrific save by pushing the resulting kick past the post. Half time 8-0.

The second half started pretty even with Ruddington having some near misses in the BJ goalmouth but after a few minutes BJ were awarded a free kick just outside the box. Tom Parkinson's superbly struck shot went straight through a sea of players into the back of the net. James Clark scored with a low shot into the corner of the net and soon after Anthony Kefer added his 3rd goal of the match (and 13th league goal of the season). James Bird side footed another into the net from an Anthony Kefer cross. James went on to add another (his hat trick) a few minutes from the end.

Credit must go to Ruddington as they battled to the end with only 7 players in their squad, their goalkeeper played particularly well by making at least half a dozen good saves in what were tricky conditions for both sides, damp and very cold.

Verdict : A good win which makes us the second highest scoring team of the division. 53 goals so far this season.

Manager's Comment : "I'm obviously pleased with todays result. It means we go into the Christmas break on a high which is always good. Ruddington were unfortunate to be without some of their key players on the day but the sporting behaviour of their manager, players and supporters is a real credit to them."

Performance of the Week : James Clark - James must have scored the fastest goal after coming on and doubled up with another. James has performed well at training and always gives his best. Well Done James!!

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