Bletchley Manor Football Club vs Deanshanger Athletic Football Club 22/04/2009 FINAL SCORE 2-1 (North Bucks Premier Division)
Following our crushing defeat away at Stewkley, we knew we had to put in a better performance for our manager. On a positive note Russell was again available following his outstanding performance in the previous game.
Despite the rock hard pitch, both teams tried to play football in the first half with neither side gathering any momentum. Both sides had a few half chances with neither team able to create any clear cut openings. Close to half time Landy pick the ball up in his own half and drilled a diagonal cross field ball which met Ryan's run perfectly. He controlled the ball instantly, waited for the defender to commit to the challenge then
nutmegged him and cooly slotted low in the far corner. Surely the best finish we have seen this season. Russell come on for Shaun at half time to add some speed and trickery to our left flank.
We took confidence from our lead after the restart and took the challenge to Deanshanger. We added a second when Landy's long throw was met by a header from Dan Jones which was too powerfull for the keeper to handle. Louis was enjoying another fine game at full back whilst Alex & Billy were winning the majority of balls at the back. We created further chances with Jake being denied from an audacious lob and Dan M heading against a
post. Craig was having one of his better games in goal with smart close range saves.
Deanshanger were offered a soft way back into the game with a harshly given penalty given against Luke for handball. The Deanshanger striker calmly placed the penalty to Craig's left. Despite some sloppy defending we held out for the win. Dan Jones' workrate and willingness to attack the ball was an example for the rest of the team.
Starting XI: Craig, Luke, Billy, Alex, Louis, Shaun, Landy, Jake, Wills, Dan Jones, Ryan. Subs Scott, Russell. MOM Dan Jones