Match Report

Brandon Groves 5-3 Dunton Dynamos

League Match - 17th February 2008; Conditions: Dry, sunny, cold!

After the successes in recent weeks, this result and performance was a huge disappointment for Paul, the players and supporters. After taking an early two goal lead, Dynamos were expected to build on this solid foundation - but it was to be built on sand.

Ross was unable to take his place in goal, so Robert made his goalkeeping debut and in the first 20 minutes he hardly touched the ball, as Dynamos were on top. Taylor made a great tackle early on and AJ was on good form using his aggression to make a nuisance of himself in the Brandon Groves penalty box. It wasn’t long before he made a terrific dribbling run with a fine finish to put Dynamos ahead.

Jack showed good composure and moved forward from his central defensive position to hit a fine shot which hit the bar. Thankfully, Joe was on hand to fire home the rebound to make it 2-0.

Soon after, Brandon made a successful breakaway with the defence caught napping and they slotted the ball home to get back into the game. Moments later, a cross shot from the Brandon right winger squirmed through Robert to make it 2-2 at the break.

Unfortunately, Joe was unable to continue due to an ankle injury and so Dynamos had no substitutes available for the second half. Another defensive lapse resulted in Brandon taking the lead with a copycat breakaway goal.

Spencer shot from the edge of the box, but his effort hit the post as Dynamos searched for an equaliser. The game see-sawed and Robert was called upon to make some terrific saves. At the other end, Oscar hit the underside of the bar with a fine effort, again Dynamos were able to pounce upon the rebound an AJ made it 3-3.

It looked as though Dynamos might have gained the initiative but a great twisting and dribbling run from Brandon Grove’s right winger resulted in the ball crossing the line at the far post to make the score 3-4. After that, Dynamos struggled to make an impact and unfortunately for Jack, his brave effort to clear the ball when under pressure ended up in the net to make the final score 3-5.

It was an exciting game with end to end football, but far too many Dynamos players did not make important tackles, nor control the game when in possession. Brandon capitalised on these errors and so it was a disappointing result which may have prevented Dynamos from achieving a runner’s up place in the league.

A special mention should be made for Robert who made some brave and important saves in the second half to keep the score-line down.