21st Jan 2006 City of York 6*(Away) 1 - 2 loss
HALL A, BLACKBURN P (1), JERRAM M[G], ROUGHTON J, WOODHEAD A, KELLY A, WILSON P, JORDAN J, WILYMAN A, DRAKARD J, DAWSON R, DRYDEN T,
The Ben Rhydding Men’s 5th team turned out against the City of York with a few new bods on Saturday. Seasoned and rookie faces alike put in a fine effort, but were pipped at the post (1-2) in the face of a sustained barrage of attacks in the last moments of the game.
A colourful mix of strong right side attacks, bung hamstrings, relentless goal-keeping, a green card, missed passes, and persevering running could not hold off for a draw or even a win.
Matt, Phillip (Blackie), Paul and Adrian combined well for sustained pressure up the right flank during most of the game. Many a cross was put in and a few ended up on the stick of John, Tim and Raymond.
Penetration in the attacking D was not prevalent, but was put to good use. Phillip (Blackie), back from injury, converted a penalty corner in the first half for the visitors to take the lead.
The half time break saw Joe’s hamstring get the better of him and a team shake up was required. Heads were bowed as the re-selection of left-back took place. James stepped forward to take on the role and filled the boots without flinching.
Almost immediately after the break, York, quickly launched a swift counter attack and slotted the equaliser.
Woody marshalled the troops from his position at sweeper and created play and direction for the team. He commanded outlet passes from the back and combined well with John, Allen and Blackie to coax the ball out of danger.
The left started to be employed and it was quickly discovered that Raymond, the maintenance man from Settle, could bamboozle the defence with strong runs and good lay-offs inside. However, it was all to no avail as the clock ticked on.
Phillip’s hamstring gave up as its owner was on attack and Joe had to hobble back on the for final part of the game as York were at their attacking best. Gaolkeeper Ned was put under wave after wave of pressure and repelled almost all of it. However,
this attack culminated in York’s winning goal in the last few minutes, purportedly preceded by some feet and definitely followed by a green card for Matt. Ask him why one day…
Throughout the second-half, the passing seemed to deteriorate a tad, and too many passes went astray. This was the consensus later on in the host’s clubrooms as the post-mortem of the game took place over chicken pie and baked beans.
[Apologies for lack of accuracy and detail of personnel from the author – also one of the new boys, who was made to feel very welcome, but just didn’t catch everyone’s names fully.]
