CLIFTON 5 - 2 KINGS AFC
Saturday 18th November 2006
Line-up: Brodier, Phil Hatton, B Whelan, Crane, Fordham, Tomlin (Trolley), Haywood (c), Cain (Wilson), Barber (McLoughlin), M Whelan, Evans
Half time score: 3-2
Goalscorers: Evans (2)
Booked: Haywood, Fordham
This Saturday saw the Kings team facing a strong outfit from Clifton; both teams have been doing well in the league, and with 3 points at stake, the game was to be testing encounter, with Kings squad decimated by injuries, illness and players missing though other commitments.
Wilson directed the team to the venue like any good woman. After 5 wrong turns, the cars sauntered into the venue with only 25 minutes to spare. Plenty of time to change and perform the infamous Kings warm up: run, knees up, run, kick legs back, run, half volley, run and head, stand and listen. After being suitably inspired by ‘bumpy’ Wilson the team took the field. Haywood lost the toss (Again).
Daniel Brodier returned to action between the sticks after a couple of weeks missing from the starting lineup, shaking off a thigh injury to put on the yellow shirt. Matt Fordham moved into the centre of defence to cover for the injured Wilson, alongside Crane, with Phil Hatton and Ben Whelan taking up roles as full backs. Captain Adam Haywood was given the midfield enforcer role, working alongside Danny Cain who was given his first start of the season. Tomlin and the returning Mike Whelan took up positions on the wings supporting last week’s hat trick hero Richie Evans and another full debutant Scotty Barber.
Kings started the stronger, the back 4 held firm, with Ben Whelan and Phil Hatton offering offensively. Tomlin was causing problems down the right linking up well with Evans and Danny Cain was running non-stop, sweating like a fat man on a ‘pound a pint’ night.
However, after 30 minutes Kings found themselves 2 down; both goals causing some dispute. The first saw three Clifton players in the end bundle the ball past an isolated Brodier and the second seeing the Clifton striker run through unchallenged to side foot past the keeper. Both goals were arguably offside; but the referee stood by his decisions despite protests from Kings Players and management.
It was to the credit of the Kings team though that within 5 minutes of being two down they found themselves level. After dainty work from Tomlin on the left and with Barber creating a good run, the ball was slipped to Evans, who struck the shot towards the keeper – admittedly not one of his most powerful of shots – but with the keeper somewhat distracted, the ball slipped under his body and trickled in the net. Kings followed this up, when Danny Cain was fouled outside the area, with Evans and Haywood standing menacingly over the ball – the resulting free kick was rifled into the top corner by Evans; a wonder goal for Evans’ 8th of the season.
However, just before half time, Kings again were the victims of the referee, when a clear foul on Brodier, was ignored and saw the ball prodded into the net, by a Clifton player. Kings players were frustrated and disheartened, but not out of the game.
The half time interval left the Kings team unchanged, and motivated by Wilson. But even with the sun and the wind in their favour, Kings found the Clifton team resolute in their defending and hard to break down. Ben Whelan was having a strong performance down the left against a player double his size and quadruple his width and Tomlin was causing more problems on the left and Mike Whelan was doing his best to win a penalty with his Vietnam ‘sniper’ antics – which could surely bring some sort of club discipline from Wilson.
Part way though the second half though, the frustration started to get the better of some of the Kings players. Two bookings were given out within quick succession by the rattled referee. One to Haywood for persistent fouling, probably warranted; and then one for Matt for his practice of the ‘slow, sarcastic clap’ – definitely warranted. Fines will ensue for these two. Wilson was tearing his hair out on the sidelines – oh hold on, what hair? But he will not be pleased with two of his more senior players letting the side down in such ways.
This saw the introduction of 3 fresh players, McLoughlin coming on to play upfront, Sam Trolley taking a place on the left of midfield and the semi-fit Wilson, coming into the centre of midfield to try and make a difference in the game but with time running out 2 further goals were added, somewhat flattering the Clifton score.
Kings went further behind after good work from the Clifton centre forward saw the ball slipped past the Crane, and with only Brodier to beat, the pall was placed into the bottom of the net and the second a last minute punt from outside the box which cruelly lobbed Brodier as Clifton enjoyed their special moment.
It was a strong overall performance from the Kings team, who can hold their heads up high. Lessons were learned. Indeed, no one followed the gaffer home.
Kings AFC Press Team
Close this window |
