Match Review

24th September 2000 Gotham Rangers 5 v 2 Burton Joyce
Scorer: Anthony Kefer (2)

For the second week running, BJ's determination to play skilful, passing football failed to produce any points. Although camped in their own half for large chunks of the game, the home team still managed to go into half-time 5-1 to the good, due to some excellent counter attacks and quality finishing. It is to BJ's credit that they managed to 'win' the second half, and a fair reflection of the real difference between the 2 sides.
The visitors went a goal down in the first minute to a smart finish by Weightman, who proved to be a constant thorn in the side of the BJ defence. However, BJ refused to panic, and played some good quality football through midfield, where Sam Smith and Oliver Woodward sparkled. Following a series of near misses, a typical run and cross by Smith was clipped into the net by Anthony Kefer, who was stretching the Gotham defence by pushing well forward. There was only one team in the match for a while, and BJ's brief period of superiority was underlined by a piece of skill by Bird on the left wing that had the large crowd gasping. Even when Gotham made it 2-1 after 15 minutes with a well worked move, there appeared little cause for concern, and a string of corners seemed certain to produce another equaliser. The game was effectively lost, however, with 3 'soft' goals in the space of 5 minutes, typified by a complete failure to mark Starbruck after an attack broke down. He miss-hit his shot, and it looped over Tom Parkinson's head as he endeavoured to narrow the angle.
The half-time mood was sombre. Jamie Gibbs replaced Anthony Kefer to add a bit of muscle to the attack, and Chris Jackson was despatched to 'man mark' the troublesome Weightman. This seemed to do the trick, and BJ refused to lie down, with Niels Hart operating as a sweeper, and playing the ball out of defence effectively. Gibbs and Parkinson switched positions with 10 minutes to go, and Kefer replaced Bird in time to add his second goal (and 6th of the season) after another skilful run by Smith. The final whistle came too soon to reduce the deficit further.

Verdict : We kept our shape well, and but for a collection of uncharacteristic defensive errors, would have come away with a draw

Manager's Comment : "The oppositions strength and finishing caught us out, but we played the better football, which is pleasing. The boys kept their shape for most of the game, and never stopped trying, which bodes well for the future."

"Performance of the Week" awarded to Chris Jackson - for his determined display in defence, and his ability to man-mark the opposition's strongest player after the break. well done Chris!

Go Back