Match Review

28th January 2001 Burton Joyce 3 v 2 Priory Celtic Green

Scorers: Sam Smith (2), Oliver Woodward

Luckily the sharp frost of the previous evening had largely cleared by the 11am kick-off. Manager Andy Parkinson had told the players in the dressing room before the game that this had the potential of being the hardest game of the season. Priory had beaten us 1-0 earlier in the season in a tightly fought match. Andy was going to be proved right!

The game started at a fast pace, although its fair to say that Priory seemed to be more awake than BJ. BJ went ahead after 5 minutes after Sam Smith made a run down the right, passed to Anthony who deftly laid it back to Sam who scored with a low shot into the corner of the net. The coaches breathed a sigh of relief for that all important first goal. BJ were still struggling with the high bounces in midfield and it wasn't long before Priory equalised to make it 1-1. The BJ boys showed great determination and went straight back at Priory, Sam Smith and Oliver Woodward teaming up well in midfield. It was Oliver who put BJ 2-1 ahead when he slotted the ball home after a determined run from midfield. Half time 2-1.

The half time mood was mixed, elation at being in front but wary that Priory had shown good football skills and could be dangerous. The second half contained more end to end football with both teams having very near misses. Sam Smith had made many good runs during the game and put BJ 3-1 ahead about 5 minutes into the second half. Priory struck back soon after with arguably the best goal of the game to make it 3-2. The referee signalled 10 minutes to go which were the longest 10 minutes this season. In the remaining minutes chances fell to both teams which just fell wide or were saved. In the end BJ won the match 3-2.

Verdict : A very entertaining match from two teams who both like to play football.

Manager's Comment : "Wow! That was a brilliant game. Priory play a similar style to us and we always produce a good game - we are all square with them for the season which is about right. The boys played well and passed the ball effectively in all areas of the park. We've always worked hard on passing in training and its great to see it in action in a game."

Performance of the Week : Chris Jackson - Chris showed lots of positional sense during the game. It was a tough one in defense and Chris tackled superbly and got the ball forward for us. Well Done Chris!



To see Chris with his award Click here



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