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Midweek matches especially away from home bring problems with player availability. We just managed to get twelve players for a game against one of our rivals for promotion Stretfordians, with Mark Crump returning from his suspension but losing Paul Vayro to suspension. A last minute call got Tom Costin to cover for any late absentees, and having been caught up in rush hour traffic the kit arrived five minutes before kick-off not ideal preparation.
Stretfordians had to win to stay in the promotion hunt, and they opened the brighter of the two teams. Moston were finding hard to put their passing game together but created two early chances through Jonny Munson. One a shot from distance, and another dragged wide of the left hand post. Moston's defence were caught square when Michael Brady could only head backwards and a Stretfordian forward latched on to this to give them the lead. Michael brought Moston level with a fine hit free kick into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Moston's defence were put under pressure, and the second goal came when Beanhead was apparently robbed of the ball and a Stretfordian player had an easy task of finishing. Beanhead protested with the referee and ended up booked for his efforts. At this stage several of the referees decisions were controversial but we have to get on with the game and not let it influence ours. However Michael Brady just failed to connect with a cross at the far post as Moston went in search of an equaliser. Stretfordians are a large side and we had difficulty winning the ball in the air, and again they caught us at the back, and increased their lead. HT 1-3.
The second half had to be more about us playing football, and staying together as a team than getting upset over the referee. Certainly we upped our effort but found it difficult to open up the Stretfordian defence. We appeared to be thrown a lifeline when Michael Brady scored a cracking free kick with twenty five minutes to go. Then having got away with conceding a penalty Michael Brady who was involved at both ends of the pitch was flattened in Stretfordians penalty area. Michael felt aggrieved when the referee didn't award a penalty and paid the price of being sent off for dissent. Down to ten men Moston went with a back three in a effort to still try and get something out of the game. For a moment it looked as if we had got an equaliser but Jonny had handled the ball and the referee disallowed his attempt. FT 2-3.
Three games to go and it's still in our own hands. We need to bounce back quickly and keep the pressure on Whalley Range and Stretfordians who still have to play each other, I'm sure they'll be some more twists and turns before the season comes to a close. Our next game is our last at home this season against Eagle FC.
Last weeks team: A McLaughlin, A Horrox, S Ross, D Grahamslaw, M Brady (2), M McElvaney, M McNeill, M Crump Jnr, J Munson
D Dunleavy, M Roberts. Subs: J Ryan, T Costin
Last update : 27-04-2008 11:20
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