DATE 8th Sep 2002
OPPOSITION Downend
GROUND Away
 
With Downend having the better of us last season (1-1 draw and 0-2 defeat) we knew this game was going to be tough. It didn’t start off to well either with a few of our players carrying knocks (Paul Sealey, Darren Jones, Neil Gardiner, and Ross Holbrook). It was decided to start with 3 of these players anyway as this would leave us with one fit sub and one ok-ish sub.

The confidence was high after last weeks 4-1 win, and we knew we had to start of well. We went in with a 3-5-2 formation. We started off well, and early on in the first half Daren Holmes rose above the defence to head home a Dave Willett corner. 1-0 and it was deserved. If Downend did get through they were being stopped by the man of the match Daren Holmes, who had an outstanding game. Unfortunately for us we didn’t capitalise on our chances in the first half and Downend grabbed a goal. 1-1 at half time, we were happy with most of the first half, just the lack of talking was letting us down.

With no subs at half time we knew we had to get at them and get an early goal. This happened, Daren picked up the loose ball and played it forward, he continued his run and picked up a lovely return ball. His shot beat the keeper and as Daren was about to celebrate the ball came back of the post! Luckily for us Daren was quickest to react and stabbed the ball home to make it 2-1. We felt this was deserved, but knew that wouldn't be it as Downend are a good side. They pressed and pressed and eventually were awarded a penalty. A throw in from the right was flicked on, as the ball fell, Dave Willett controlled it on his thigh before clearing. As Dave cleared, the referee blew for a penalty. At first nobody knew why the
penalty had been given. The referee said it was for handball against Dave Willett. After lots of arguing the penalty was eventually taken. In our minds, justice was done as their centre forward didn’t hit the target and we kept our slender lead. Downend kept pushing but to no avail. Good work down the right ended with Andy Cooke coolly rounding the keeper and fire home to make it 3-1. The bad news from the game was Paul Sealey pulling up injured and is now going to be out for 6-8 weeks with a pulled hamstring.

After the game we were very happy with the result, and have had a good start to the season. Next up Fishponds Town.

The Game Ended Up 1-3
Goal Scored by: Daren Holmes (2), Andy Cooke
Man Of The Match: Daren Holmes
Starting Line Up:
Chris Sims
Darren Jones
Derrick Johnson
Rob Davis
Neil Gardiner
Daren Holmes
Paul Sealey
Mark Niblett
Jason Alderman
Andy Cooke
Dave Willett
Sub
Ross Holbrook
Dave Fennell
 
Man of the match voted for by the players.