Shepherd's Arms Vs Fleece. Local derby, Sat. 25th March.

Round town bragging rights at stake on this one. Before the match Fleece were one point to the good and 5 games in hand (l think) but that and arguably the better football, possession and efforts at goal could not be translated into a win.

Fleece were fired up from the off and a break down the left wing on 2 minutes saw Ash MacGhee lash in a fine cross and narrowly missed by two attackers, out for a corner. At ten minutes a sitter missed again by two fleece forwards, then from the right Mark Lemm narrowly shooting over from a tight angle. The opening period was all Fleece but Sheps battled well, played to their strengths as a team and individuals and managed to steal a breakaway goal that really shouldn't have happened.

Despite having large parts of the game sewn up Fleece couldn't turn chances into goals - the best was a chipped shot from MacGhee on the half hour. l cheered thinking it was in only to see the keeper dive and tip over the bar. Ooohhh . . . !

Halftime 1-0 down.

It should come, Fleece always looking capable though perhaps offering their local rivals a little too much respect. The build up from the back, so often a feature in training loses out to the long lofted ball and 50-50 chance, if won then oft going again to 50-50. Fleece here tend to make life hard for themselves. Instead of spreading wide and using an expansive though bobbly pitch and play a pass and build game we go for the 100% commitment and battle in the centre of the park - though both teams playing some very good football at close quarter.

Fleece pressure did eventually pay off when debut boy, and second sub, Barnesy held his nerve in the box to slot in the equaliser at the threequarter mark. Phew! l was thinking it would never come. Fleece then entered the final session with renewed vigour - a series of efforts on goal - good, bad and despicable, Sheps too coming close on the breakaway, once from a glaring passback and lack of concentration allowing a free-kick just off the six yard box. Scary and unnecessary. Too often a feature of the Fleece game - giving advantage away when not under pressure.

The dying minutes of the game saw Karl Walker's well hit effort strike the base of an upright. It just wasn't to be though the game never disappointed and drew a reasonable crowd of old players and passersby, at a guess 80-100 watched.

The ref was having no shenanigans and calmly stated his authority on the game. Handbagging was kept at a minimum although Jamie Brearley did try it on.

On reflection Fleece should have won and possibly need to think about their game more.



Reserves won away 5-0 against Westgate Common.