Ainsdale 3-2 Freshfield
22nd September 2002
The jinx was almost beaten, but not quite. Freshfield lost to Ainsdale for the fifth successive time within the space of 11 months, despite dominating the game for long periods and taking a two-goal lead. Much of the credit for this much improved performance must go to Manager Andy Smith, whose bold 4-3-3 formation very nearly won the points for Freshfield. Graeme Davies was moved back to centre-half, surely his best position, and Steve Hughes was pushed up into midfield alongside Damian Nolan and Geoff Booker. Tommy Smith, an inspirational captain for the day, played centre-forward and Simon Richards and Brian McGlynn played left-wing and right-wing respectively. This line-up was always going to require a great deal of running from the midfield and attackers, and so it was that in the last quarter of the game it slipped away as Freshfield could not quite continue the heroics of the earlier part of the game.
It was vital to take control of the game from the start and that was exactly what Freshfield did. Ainsdale simply could not cope with Freshfield's change in formation and could not get the ball. Simon Richards, back to his best form, was instrumental in both goals that put Freshfield two up with half an hour gone. The first came when his cross was sweetly volleyed home from 20 yards by a delighted Mike Kemp. The second, though not as dramatic, was equally well worked; Chris Balshaw found Nolan, who headed the ball neatly into Richard's path. He slipped the ball through to Tommy Smith who rounded the keeper and drilled the ball home from the tightest of angles. Ainsdale's only real chance came when Lee Jones headed the ball onto the crossbar, Nolan somehow managing preventing him from scoring from the rebound.
The second half started much as the first had, with Freshfield in control. Geoff Booker and Tommy Smith both had good chances to take the game beyond Ainsdale, but both shot wide and slowly but surely the home side crept back into the game. Nigel Power seemed to have the luck with him, just managing to turn a low header round the post and then somehow managing to keep out a twenty-yard shot that seemed destined for the goal. From the resulting corner Ainsdale pulled one back, scrambling the ball home. Minutes later, again from a corner, they equalised, Freshfield leaving Jones unmarked to head home. The game developed into an exciting end-to-end affair, and as Freshfield pushed for the winner they were caught on the break and went behind for the first time. The Ainsdale defence held solid for the last few minutes and denied Freshfield the equaliser they undoubtedly deserved. Despite the result this was in many ways a very encouraging performance. Unlike many big games in the past, Freshfield did not lack the confidence or commitment required, and dominated the match for long periods. More performances like this will see them in the top half of the table come the end of the season.
|
Team
Nigel Power |
Sub (not used)
Manager's Man of the Match
Player's Man of the Match
Supporter's Man of the Match
Attendance |