League Knock Out Cup 14/11/09Spexhall F.C- 1
Pot Black F.C- 2
Match Overview- At 11.30pm this morning things looked pretty ominous to weather or not this match might go ahead, as the sluiced down and the wind did a Michael Fish on us!
It was L'Oranges first trip to the newly updated 'Veasy Imperial Ground' and the fantastic new facilities are a credit to all the home sides hard work and effort in fund raising!
The great news is that the council have bought Spexhall's old port-a-cabin to improve on facilities at Normanston Park! Can't to get changed and not smell damp!!!
The opening exchanges of the first half were impressive for the home side as their strengthend and inform side displayed a vigour and movement that explains their good league start.
Pot Black themselves have now raised their game of late, with the usual team spirit fully returned and the smiles back on faces. P.B put a grin on the face of their manager after 20minutes when Paul Taylor and Simon Durrant both stood composed over a free kick won by Max Wall, but it was Durrant who did the damage after he powered his effort into the bottom corner.
L'Orange now dominated possession as the hardworking spexhall side we're chasing hard to make a mark on the game. Kev Sherwood was once called into action before the break with an strong hand, but Steve Collins started the move that increased the victory as his 50 yard pass found Vinny Terry who tortured the Spexhall right back before cutting in, to see his effort strike the post before falling nicely to Adam Bird to knock home.
The visitors were unlucky not to extend their lead before the break when the home sides keeper twice denied P.B firstly when Max Wall sent the ball top corner bound after some breath taking skill by Bird and secondly after the back line was out muscled by Bird who's one on one shot was diverted by the keepers outstretched foot.
In the second 45 minutes it became clear just how much the wind was playing a part in proceeding as L'Orange struggled to re-capture their first half style, but more importantly found it more difficult clearing their lines, despite a competent and domineering performance by Messrs Boyd, Boyd, Laws and Collins.
Taking away nothing away from a good second half outing for the home side as they controlled possession with some neat football, but luck played a large part in the eventual goal, as a powerful point blank shot brought out another firm hand from Kev Sherwood who saw his punch fire off Captain Darren Boyd's face and in the opposite direction into the net.
As a Footnote the match was excellently marshaled by Referee Steven Cole.
Goals- Simon 'Targa' Durrant & Adam Bird
G.H.Windows & Doors M.O.M- Steve Collins, never put a foot wrong all game, great touch and distribution, the only negative was that he had that smug look that he gets when he's done something well!
