15th Oct 2005 York St. John’s 1*(Away) 0 - 1 loss
HALL A, BLACKBURN P, HART T, HATTON T, JORDAN A, LOWE R, ROUGHTON J, STELL S, WOODHEAD A, KELLY A, SMITH A, JORDAN J,
The match seemed like a battle of experience against youth with St John’s putting out a young side confronted by the older experienced Ben Rhydding eleven.
Ben Rhydding’s experienced defence (Smith, Lowe, Blackburn and Woodhead) providing a solid line which St Johns found difficult to break down for most of the game. Roughton, playing centre half, held the middle well and was often confronted with a number of runners from midfield. Generally these were closed down near the 25 preventing easy access to the Ben Rhydding penalty area.
The defence soaked up pressure very effectively but possession gained at the back was squandered in midfield and up front. Often the easy pass was rejected in favour of the more risky option, thereby surrendering possession and putting the pressure back on the defence.
St Johns were the dominant team in terms of possession but chances remained few although one of these broke the deadlock about 10 minutes into the second half.
In all, Ben Rhydding created 3 good scoring chances during the game but the keeper saved 2 and one went marginally wide.
In summary, a solid defensive performance against a good side but room for improvement going forward.
