2/12/2007 home (Peartree Park) v Baldock Town Crusaders (League Cup 1st Round

Won 4 – 0. Goals for: Paul (31), (87), Michael (72), Rob (76)

Team: Will, Joe, Brad, Matt, Richard; Cameron, Greg, Dicko, Tom; Paul, Michael. Subs: Jordan, Rob, James.

After much deliberating, the referee finally agreed that we should play our cup match at a very wet and windy Peartree Park. This game saw us up against Baldock Crusaders for the third time this season. The lads were determined to make amends for the only league points dropped to date, from our away fixture in October.

Despite the conditions, we tried to play good football and although not at our best we looked to be in control of the game. Not too many chances were created early on, before we finally took the lead. Michael’s long, flighted free kick was expertly brought under control by Paul and he bundled his effort in from close range. Shortly before half time Dicko had the chance to double our lead, but his penalty kick didn’t really get out of the mud and the keeper made a comfortable save. 1-0 at half time and instructions for a bit more urgency required. To help with this Jordan was introduced.

After initially continuing our good football, Baldock got a foothold in the game and for the first time looked quite dangerous. They forced a few corners, but never really troubled Will. Having introduced Rob for Dicko, the new line-up then finally started to work well, especially as we started using Michael and Jordan on the flanks and Greg was running things again from the middle. A great team move finished with a low shot from Paul that was brilliantly saved by the Baldock keeper.

With just under 20 minutes to go, Rob fired in a drive from the edge of the area, which the keeper could not hold. Michael was on hand to put in the rebound and score his 10th goal of the season to date. A few minutes later the game was settled with a great turn and a wonderful dipping shot from 25 yards out from Rob, to score his first goal for us. It was then a real shame that Michael took exception to the referee’s performance and got a red card for his thoughts! Despite being down to 10 players, the lads relaxed and played some lovely stuff in the mud. An example of this was an excellent through ball from Cameron, which Paul ran on to to calmly slot past the keeper’s left hand to make it 4-0.

A decent all round performance on an awkward pitch. Brad and Matt deserve a mention for their marshalling of the defence, therefore ensuring two clean sheets in a row.


Mark 3/12/2007