Wednesday 1 October 2008

Wednesday 1st October 2008

Gedling Town v Graham Street Prims -- EMCL

Bonus extra midweek game, and my second trip in 5 days to the Riverside. Saturday the ground was bathed in glorious sunshine, but for this night game it was really very cold!! 1st October and big coats are out already!!


"Evening Post" Brian came to say hello again, and he said he had have several comments today about not getting his free coffee at the Arnold game..!!


Last time we saw GSP, they were beaten 4-0 by Gedling MW, but apparently this was a completely different team... they certainly began well enough, forcing Wardle in the Gedling goal to make two outstanding saves in the first couple of minutes. The first was a tip over from a fierce drive, the second from the resultant corner was point-blank - and when the loose ball was smashed over the bar from 6 yards, you had an idea this may be Gedling's night.
Those thoughts changed in the 10th minute. Both teams were playing attractive football, quick, decisive passing with some fine indiviual play, and one of those was a mazy run and dribble by the no.7 shirt into the box that proved too good for his marker. A trip, a penalty, and right back Lillie smashed the ball past Wardle, who did get a hand to it, but to no avail.

The lead lasted barely 2 minutes though. A great move started by Davies - his ball found Ryan who delicately lobbed the ball goalwards. Gill managed a shot and the keeper blocked well, only to find little Ben Allison waiting to nod in the rebound from 6 yards.


Gedling went in front on 20, Ben Allison again "Johny-on-the-spot" as he prodded home after a goalmouth scramble. On the half-hour mark, Lavelle White broke free and was a mite lucky as his attempted flick over the keeper was not the best you'll ever see, but it hit the keeper and rolled into the net. Fantastic half of football, credit to both teams. H-T 3-1


Had a great natter with Greenwood Meadows' joint manager Mark Connors during the first half - he was there having a close look at Prims who visit Lenton Lane on Saturday...must have pleased him somewhat to see the Prims' fragile defence leaking so many goals.

What this man doesn't know about local non-league football is not worth knowing! He is also really enthusiastic and passionate about the squad that he and Nev Silcock have put together at Lenton Lane. After gaining entry into the EMCL, even though they finished next to bottom in the CMLS winning only 5 of 38 games, Mark and Nev have put together a squad that is a great mixture of experience and youth. After Meadows' win at Teversal, their manager Paul Thompson congratulated Connors on how well they played as a team. It looks like they have no superstars, no big-time Charlies, and their success is down to just plain old fashioned team-work....

Although Meadows sit atop the table at the moment, Mark has no thoughts of promotion yet - but he has been assured by his Chariman Mark Burton that if promotion is gained, their facilities will be up to the required grading .....


When the teams came out for the second half, I told Kev we ought to move to the end where Gedling were kicking - and for 15 minutes or so this seemed a daft decision -- the play was all at the other end !! My decision was justified though on 63, when great play by Allison lead to him playing the ball across goal to where Ryan Johnson was waiting to volley home with some relish.....


Prims were still fighting and reduced the deficit seconds later, a 20 yarder from Whitehead just evading the despairing dive of keeper Wardle. In the 75th minute, Jimmy Spiers ran into the box and fired past the keeper, only to see his goal-bound effort bundled over the line by Ben Allison - this 23 year-old certainly knows where the goal is!! A hat-trick, and all poached ... !!

The visitors were awarded a second penalty on 83, and Lillie's spot-kick fairly bulged the back of the net...

That was the end of the scoring, and thankfully the Referee only played a couple of extra minutes - the cold and the usual awful pong ensuring we made a quick exit! F-T 5-3

Official attendance 60
Admission £4
Programme - sold out!

What a week !! Games that finished 1-4, 2-1, 3-2, 4-1 and 5-3..... does it get better than this? No, but I bet it's going to get colder.......

Saturday -- off to see Rainworth take on Dunkirk in the vase -- "Evening Post" Brian had a quote from Dunkirk manager Dave Harbottle " we're going there to kick Rudy's bum! " Should be good game..

2 comments:

MC said...

Another good report Malc,you treat the game as it should be ... with enjoyment.
Thanks for the compliments and look forward to seeing you on the 25th.

Mark Connors

Malc said...

I think it's just a case of loving the game...

It was a pleasure meeting you and the 25th is now definate..God willing!!