Freshfield 2-1 Running Horses
10th November 2002
Freshfield have found consistency difficult this season, so playing badly and winning is a knack they need to acquire. This performance gave some hope that that difficult skill is being developed. A patchy performance improved in the second half and the home side were just worth the win, but the fluent passing play of weeks gone by was sadly lacking.
Paul Hayes and Chris Jones were both played out of position in midfield, and with Graeme Davies and Richie Kemp, both natural sweepers, at centre-half, the line-up had a slightly unbalanced feel to it. Though possession was pretty even, it was no surprise when Running Horses took the lead, their centre-forward being left in plenty of space to finish with aplomb. Keeper Dave Seville was left with no chance, though his performance was assured throughout. The same could not be said for Geoff Booker, whose first-half performance was far and away his worst for the club. Freshfield could and should have equalised just before the break when Davies found himself one on one with the opposition keeper, but his shot was easily gathered.
Manager Andy Smith had decided to take Booker off at half-time, but was persuaded to give him another five minutes. The decision to relent was almost immediately rewarded, as Freshfield began the second half with renewed vigour. A neat ball from Hayes released Jones down the left wing and his pin-point cross was hammered home by Booker. Fifteen minutes later he scored the winner, this time neatly collecting an incisive pass from Chris Balshaw, rounding the advancing keeper and slotting home from 18 yards.
Freshfield had chances to increase their lead, most notably when the tireless Tony Lynch sprinted through but chipped into the Horses's keeper's arms. John Armstrong was brought on and added some zest to a tiring midfield, and despite having to withstand some late pressure Freshfield held on to collect a welcome 3 points.
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Team
Dave Seville |
Subs not used
Manager's Man of the Match
Player's Man of the Match
Supporter's Man of the Match
Attendance |