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2-1 15th March 2008 at 3:00 PM

Wickhambrook : League match

Heroes one and all.

Once again today the manager had to cope with massive pre-match problems due to player unavailability. Centre backs Martyn Flack and Matt Bonner were both unable to turn out for various reasons, and youngsters Aiden Litterick and Chris Pyke were also doing other things. With Marlon Bruges still suspended and Buster Harradine just back after broken ribs Steve Holden decided to play himself at centre back alongside Peter Richardson. Jason Mannion and Ricky Woodrow were at fullback and the midfield four were Mark Columbus on the right and Darren Bates in his favourite wide left position. The central two were skipper Chris Smith and Jordan Lambert. Nick Finney played alongside Buster Harradine at the front. Steve called in the experianced Dave Richards from the reserves as our only substitute. Steve did say to me before the game 'I'm sure that Dave could do a job for us if needed, he can be a real handful on his day'. This proved to be such a true prediction.
Having drawn 0-0 at home with Wickhambrook just a few weeks ago this always looked a difficult fixture. The small pitch looked ok but turned out to be a little bobbly and was suited to the home sides long ball kick it and hope tactics. Their other main tactic seemd to be that whenever tackled they would fall to the floor screeming in pain and appealing to the referee for a foul. Unfortunately the ref. fell for it and seemed to give free kicks to whoever shouted first and loudest. The first 15 minutes were quite evenely fought out, with both sides having chances. Phil Peachey was called into action early on when going full length to his right to pull off a fine save. At the other end Shelfords approach play was excellent but when in the home penalty area the two front players found it difficult to find any space. On 20 minutes after another long punt out of defence by Wickhambrook, Jason Mannion covering in the centre attempted to shepherd the ball back for Phil Peachey to clear, Phil arriving outside his penalty area caught the ball cleanly but it cannoned straight into Jason and back into the goal. It looked like the home sides lucky day soon afterwards when Jason caught his studs in the ground whilst clearing the ball and had to go off with a groin injury. This meant a major reshuffle, Dave Richards came on and went up alongside Nick Finney. Ricky Woodrow moved across to make a third centr back with Buster Harradine and Darren Bates playing as wing backs. This proved to be a master stroke. It was strange to see how a team could look so comfortable with a system they had not played before. Half time Wickhambrook 1 Gt Shelford 0, with Shelford getting on top.
The visitors started the second half in determined fashion, and looking well in control of a home side resorting to more physical tactics as the game wore on. The well deserved equiliser came on around 60 minutes when Buster Harradine pounced on a lose ball about 40 yards out, took it on a pace or so and unleashed  a thunderbolt from all of 35 yards  which never rose above knee high and gave the home 'keeper no chance.  The new formation seemed to offer more attacking options, and Dave Richards  was showing his worth using his natural  abilities of power and strength. He was difficult for home defenders to push around and stood firm with the ball at his feet and was also offering an aerial threat. In fact the Shelford winner came when Dave held the ball up, played a little pass to Chris Smith, who fed Darren Bates, Darren slotted the ball between severel players for Nick Finney to turn and do what Nick does best, score a good goal. The home side had suddenly become less vocal and nowhere near as cocky as they realised they were being totally outplayed. Also we had players who could match their physical approach if required.
In the circumstances this was one of our best wins of the season and really was against the odds. I can't pick a man of the match today, it just would not be fair. We were excellent all through the team and this really was a team performance. Well done one and all.