Running Horses 4-0 Freshfield
16th February 2003
This was an eminently forgettable match in which Freshfield yet again underperformed. Like last week, the game was scoreless at half-time and Freshfield conceded 4 in the second half, but unlike last week they barely managed a shot on target after half-time. Somehow the slope on the pitch at Bell's Lane didn't seem as pronounced as the memory suggested, but it was easy to forget how narrow and heavy it is. Playing uphill in the first half, Freshfield outplayed their hosts for long periods and put together some reasonable passing. All too often, however, the final pass went astray and few chances were created. Freshfield's best chance fell to Chris Jones, who controlled Mike Kemp's wonderful 50 yard pass with ease but failed to produce a shot of sufficient force to cause any real problems.
The usual powerful rhetoric from the usual suspects came into play at half-time, but little heed was taken. Freshfield's second-half performance was ineffectual and strangely non-committal. It is fair to say that the home team's performance after the break was much improved, but their attacking play found little resistance. With 10 minutes gone an attacker took advantage of a slightly rash challenge from Simon Richards in the box and fell just elegantly enough to earn a penalty, which was coolly converted. Two minutes later, with the Freshfield defence stretched a snap shot took Nigel Power by surprise and made the score 2-0. A third followed midway through the half, this time Damian Nolan misjudged a through ball and the Horses' right winger smashed the ball into the top corner. With a couple of minutes left Freshfield's agony was made complete. Running Horses scored their fourth when a cross from a yard and a half behind the goal-line was put away. Captain Mike Kemp was so incensed by the decision that his complaints earnt him a second yellow card, to complete the family complement of red cards for the season. The visit of league leaders Dell Rangers next week is the last thing that Freshfield need after this performance.
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Team
Nigel Power |
Manager's Man of the Match
Player's Man of the Match
Supporter's Man of the Match
Attendance |