|
GILLFORD PARK FC |
|
|
Home |
The first 20 minutes of this match saw Gillford pin Blyth in their own half without really troubling Earle in the away goal, and when the visitors did manage to break into the Gillford half the home defence kept them under wraps, restricting them to just three long range shots. Meanwhile, Dan Rayson, Ian Johnstone and Steven Skinner all saw their shots saved well by Earle, and then totally against the run of play Blyth's big Number 5, Mark Waugh, was allowed the time and space to lob Gillford custodian Armstrong from thirty-yards. The visitor's lead lasted for only six minutes, though, as, after Johnstone and Rayson had again gone close, the former converted a lovely Skinner free-kick, powerfully heading home from the edge of the six yard box. The best move of the game came ten minutes later when Brocklebank's clearance was well worked between Palmer, Thomson and Butler - who sent a little ball over the defence which was picked up by Dan Rayson, but Rayson's shot was blocked. Skinner also had a a dig at goal but his shot went wide, while John Lee Allen earned Gilly a corner when his deep cross was turned round the post. Although nothing came of the original flag kick as Rayson miss-hit his shot, the ball was only partially cleared and found it's way back to Gillford's young striker, who was obstructed by a Blyth defender - handing the homesters a chance to take the lead on a plate. Gilly's set piece supremo Skinner stepped up to score from the spot, sending the Park in at the break on top. When the sides re-emerged after half-time there was a notable absence, Gillford's penalty scorer Skinner who had been struck by a recurring injury at half time. Recent signing Michael Riding replaced the midfielder and was immediately called into action, just failing to convert Dan Rayson's cross ball. The lead was extended in the fifty-ninth minute when Palmer and Lang combined to send the ball up field to young Rayson, who cleverly slipped past his marker before coolly sending the ball past the outstretched hand of the visiting custodian, Earle. Byth were thrown a lifeline just a minute later when a two footed tackle by Gillford's Johnstone on his Blyth namesake earned the midfielder a red card, reducing the homesters to ten men. Despite the presumptions of the fans on the sidelines, manager Jimmy McMurdo maintained the side which had dominated the game before the dismissal with two upfront, and the bold decision paid dividends in the 65th minute when Lang picked out Rayson with a lovely through ball. The young striker steadied himself before firing in a good shot, and although a strong fist from Earle stopped the effort it was Gillford's Mike Riding who reacted first, getting clear of his marker before sending an unstoppable strike in to the bottom corner to put the Cumbrians three goals ahead. A minute later Blyth were very unlucky not to reduce the deficit when a good passing move between Dang Hai Vang and Johnstone caught the home defence out, and Jordan Moore got in behind and sent in a stinger that Gavin Armstrong did well to turn round for a corner. Blyth's deep, back post cross was punched out to Brocklebank and the defender, previously of Barrow and Ludlow Town, quickly spotted substitute Andy McClelland, who had been on the pitch for less than a minute, in space, and after receiving an accurate long pass the ex-Northbank forward progressed up field 20 yards before sending a lovely ball to be latched on to by the strong running Michael Riding. Sent through one-on-one with the visiting keeper, the ex-Wigton Harriers striker made no mistake to strike home his second and his sides fifth of the afternoon. And the talented forward was unlucky not to grab his hat trick a minute later, when his diving header just failed to connect with Danny Palmers cross. Blyth added a touch of respectability to the scoreline with nine minutes remaining, when referee Mr Young awarded the travelling outfit a penalty. Mann's shot was turned away for a corner and a quickly taken kick allowed Nathan Lajerde to shoot. The sixteen year old's shot was parried by home stopper Armstrong but quickly returned to Lajerde by teammate Lavender, and after Craig Thompson was adjudged to have been over forceful in tackling the midfielder the match official had no hesitation in awarding the penalty, which opening goalscorer Mark Waugh struck down the centre of the goal. Mr Colin Carter represented the match sponsors, City Electrical Factors, at the match and his choice for Man of the Match was double scoring substitute Micahel Riding, praising his strength and ability under pressure. Today's sponsor City Electric Factors was represented at the game by Mr Colin Carter and his choice of man of the match for Gillford was Mike Riding even though the youngster had only played one half his willingness to chase everything also his strength and cooness under pressure swayed Mr Carters decision. |