DUNDONALD CHASE F.C.
NEWS ARCHIVE

13 February 2005 Morden & District League Division 9 at Beddington Park

NC Royals 2 (0)
pen 62, 77
DCFC 1 (0)
Ed 88

With just one win against six Royals in our previous six meetings and last weeks thumping at the hands of Mulladween, it didn't look likely that we were going to get much out of this game, but ironically we normally respond well to a thrashing, it seems to give us the kick up the backside we need.

Bearing in mind that Royals were right near the top of the table and we are drifting dangerously near the bottom, this display, was a reasonably decent one.

The first half saw either side struggle to break down the opposing defence. Royals had their loyal tall defender Richard at the back who was solid and tough to break down and we had our Daniel at the back who at times was outstanding, only a few late challenges let him down. It was no surprise that the first half ended 0-0. Chances were few and far between, we just never look like scoring at times, failing to show that clinicalness that is required, if ever a ball bobbles around the box in our opponents half, we fail to capatilise from it. Royals were finding Dan at the back and Geoff in goal hard to beat. Geoff made a number of vital saves that helped him achieve his third Man of the Match of the season.

As the second half slowly started to tick away, it really looked that the best we could hope for is a rare goalless draw, there looked like every possibility of it happening, we weren't going to score, but our defence were matching Royals' forward advances and then a moment of double maddness gave Royals the breakthrough they were looking for, as Garry's pass back to Geoff, put our Number 1 under pressure and Geoff took the forward out ..... penalty! The Royals number ??? who always looked their most likely player to score, struck the pen well to give them the lead. On the balance of play it was just about fair. Our biggest problem is that we suffer badly every time we conceed a goal. Heads drop and then there is only one team in it. Royals second with less than 15 minutes remaining killed the game off. We had generally been playing fairly well until now, but there was no way that we had two goals in us. Royals then got awarded another pen and now it looked like we were slightly harshly going to be facing a 3 goal (or more) defeat, but this time the pen was stuck wide.

It's about of an obvious point, but if you don't have an attempt on goal, your very likely to score and our consilation shows why it's always worth having a go. Ed's half hopeful shot with two minutes remaining, some how went under the keeper. We couldn't believe it and neither could or opponents. This brought some belief that maybe we can nick a point, but it was too late and we could have got that point if we had a little bit more adventure up front.