Match Report Saturday 17th March

Whitgiftians vs. City of London I

Result 1 - 1

Scorer: Mark Fitzgerald

MoM: Rob Cockburn

With City firsts playing away this week at a ground that's provided little success in the past, the odds were stacked against them. It wasn't long until this proved all the more evident as a ball over the top and a missed header at the back provided Whitgift's striker with an early one on one.... a cool finish left Reuter without a chance, 1-0 and with only 5 minutes gone. This was going to be a long game.

For the next 40 minutes though, City battled back and managed to take control of the game (aside from the odd 5 minute spell from the home team to finish the half). Mark Fitzgerald and Dazza worked tirelessly upfront to provide us with a chance... and then this chance came... Robbie C slotted the ball delicately through to the outstanding Mark Fitzgerald allowed Mark Fitzgerald to slot cooly home into the bottom left hand of the goal. Another mark on the tally for Mark Fitzgerald. Well done Mark Fitzgerald, you're the man! JK upfront becoming a distant and best forgotten memory as you, Mark Fitzgerald, got us back in the game. Mark Fitzgerald, Mark Fitzgerald, we all herald Mark Fitzgerald.

1 - 1 at half time and City looking the strongest. The second half started just the same with City instantly going on the offensive. Timmy and Josh getting chance after chance but being unfortunate not to take the spoils. Capo and his defence battling hard at the back and suffering a few whacks in the process!

Our best chance came halfway through the second half with Stig breaking free from his marker and connecting powerfully with a Tim Dart corner. His downward header had everyone beaten but flew agonisingly wide.

Although both teams battled hard and a draw was probably a fair result, City made the more chances throughout. Mr Reuter in goal was rarely troubled. The game ended and an extra point earned - overall a very good result against tough opposition.

Result 0 - 0

MoM - John Whitworth - welcome return from injury for the no-nonsense stopper

Just like London buses, no draws (let alone goal-less) all season and then two come along at once as the points were shared at Well Hall Road this weekend.

After an unfeasible 9 changes from the previous week's line-up the 3-5-2 was restored and the freedom given to Andre, PG and Simon soon almost paid dividends as a mazy dribble from Andre ended with a cross that just avoided his two compadres. Refreshingly after previous weeks, we were out of the blocks the quicker, PG going close with an overhead and then again as a peach of a ball dinked in from Swerver was spuffed by the skipper into PG's path who middled a corking shot that was unbelievably turned round the post by the visting keeper.

Sutts though also looked dangerous on the break and their striker laced a stinging shot in from distance that Miggy did expertly well to lay a glove on a divert it onto the crossbar.

Nerves and tempers were soothed at half time, all agreeing that the game was there to be won. Time would tell...

The second half carried on as per the previous 45, end to end stuff a contrast to the previous week.

In a mirror image the same Sutts forward again rattled the bar and Miggy was called upon to show his class in nets on several occasions. Fortunately Miguel was equal to the task. At the other end, the chances came and went. PG went close with a powerful header, Keano almost stole the show with a late run into the box and a flicked shot which went over the bar. Andre and Kebabbe shot just wide. Then an intricate passing move between Pamph and Kebabbe set up Paul, timing a late run into the box, but the shot on the run blazed over the bar as the final whistle went and honours even.

No Game