Moston Brook AFC

To make sure all three teams played the 1^st XI gave up home advantage in the third round of the Rhodes cup. On arrival at Warth Meadow we were told that the referee had deemed the pitch unfit for play and we were having to move to Webb Lane ten minutes away.

The match started thirty minutes late in windy conditions with Moston aiming to get through to the last eight having already beaten Spurley twice in the league this season. However in recent weeks Spurley's form had improved to move them up the league into mid table so they weren't to be under estimated. Both sides had good chances in the early period of the game but neither side had there shooting boots on. Moston's play improved as the first half progressed and both strikers and all the midfielders had attempts on goal but every attempt seemed to go either high or wide. Beanhead in goal made two good saves to stop Spurley taking the lead. His best one was with his legs when the Spurley number 10 got through one on one. HT 0-0.

The second half was only minutes old when Jonny Munson had to come off injured this was just after we had hit the woodwork for the first time, and had a penalty appeal turned down. Paul Vayro who wasn't 100% fit replaced Jonny upfront. Moston continued to press in search of an opening goal with Darren Dunleavey being involved in most of Mostons attacking play. Spurley took the lead after about twenty minutes of the second half when their number 10 having received a cross field past got in behind Rossy to fire home past Beanhead. Moston who had most of the possession went in search of an equaliser with everyone playing their part. We hit Spurley's crossbar three times with shots from Michael Brady who it was feared at one stage had done serious damage to his ankle but fortunately was able to continue, and Paul Vayro, and if memory serves me right Darren Dunleavey.

Billy Humphries replaced injured Joe McNeill at the back and the defence broke up most of Spurley's attacks as Moston continued to find an opening. To be fair to Spurley they got plenty of bodies behind the ball and at one stage Moston fired in at least four or five shots which were all blocked by Spurley's defenders without their keeper touching the ball. At the end frustration set in when a number of decisions didn't go our way but as I've said to the lads many times once the referee has made a decision rightly or wrongly he won't change his mind, and we have to keep our discipline because we can't afford to have players suspended because it will impact not only on the 1^st XI but also the 2^nd XI as we both go in search of promotion and the divisional championships. FT 0-1

Last update : 01-03-2008 00:00

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