Freshfield 0-1 Ainsdale
22nd September 2002
Another early lapse in concentration cost Freshfield dear in this match against their "bette noire" opposition, but unlike last week they could not quite manage to pull back to force a draw. An injury to Dave Brooks saw him replaced by Graeme Davies up front, and Steve Hughes made way for the return of Richie Kemp at centre-half, whilst Ainsdale appeared to be little changed from last season.
Once more Freshfield took a while to get started, though this time it had more to do with Ainsdale's swift and accurate passing game than a particularly slow start. The otherwise excellent Paul Hayes gave the ball away with 10 minutes gone, and Freshfield were soon one down. Ainsdale's "Bally" found himself one on one with Power, and though the keeper got a touch on his shot the ball trickled agonisingly towards the goal and went in off a post. Mid way through the first half Graeme Davies managed to wrestle the ball from an Ainsdale centre-half, but his subsequent shot was deflected when it otherwise would have found the back of the net. In fairness, though, the half was dominated by Ainsdale, whose only blemish involved their captain Lee Jones being booked for needless retaliation. "Bally" nearly put Ainsdale 2-0 ahead just before the break, though this time Power was able to do just enough to turn the ball past the post.
Freshfield impressed in the second half, mostly because of their renewed determination but partly because of the withdrawal through injury of Jones. Steve Haw, signed from Spartak Mulligans in the close season, threatened much but delivered little for Ainsdale as Freshfield created more and more meaningful chances. Much of the creative work came from Simon Richards, whose shot from just inside the box after a slick passing move was well saved by the Ainsdale keeper. After a difficult first half, Brian McGlynn started to impress down the right flank, but too many of his crosses found the penalty box with a scant Freshfield presence.
In the end, though this is the closest that Freshfield have got to Ainsdale, they can't complain at the result. The technical gap is closing, but Ainsdale will be the team to beat in this year's First Division.
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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 |