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Post by thewhistler on Mar 15, 2006 0:54:31 GMT 1
Won 3-1 against a poor Spencer side tonight. Yaxley deserved to win on a poor surface. They were the ones up for the game more so than Spencer who seemed to go throught the motions.
Must say that the Yaxley number 9 was a million miles better than any other player on the pitch.
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Post by Administrator on Mar 15, 2006 8:20:14 GMT 1
Premiership class!!!
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Post by spencerbloke on Mar 15, 2006 10:31:47 GMT 1
Not sure I totally agree with Whistler's comments, in that I didn't think Spencer were particularly poor. A little static up front maybe, and wasted some good opportunities definitely, but I don't think you can say they were poor when they dominated large parts of the game. Yaxley came out of the traps and definitely bossed the first 15 minutes, producing a couple of fine saves from Spencer's keeper. They got a goal when a Spencer defender failed to deal with the attacker on the edge of the box, who then got a cross into a crowded goalmouth and a Yaxley player got his head to it. 1-0. Spencer replied very quickly, a free kick on the left causing the Yaxley defence problems, Matt Collins firing home the loose ball from close range. Spencer then went on to dominate the rest of the first half, although Yaxley were always dangerous on the break. Coming out for the secong half, again Yaxley were quick out of the traps, breaking forward very quickly, and again the Spencer keeper was called into action to tip a very awkward looping cross/shot over the bar. From the Spencer took the upper hand, but it was on yet another break that Yaxley's Mark Paul got in a great low drive from the edge of the box, Oli Urquhart was only able to parry the difficult shot, and a Yaxley forward tucked home the loose ball. From here the match was fairly even, Yaxley constantly breaking at pace but Spencer controlling the ball, coming forward and creating chances that they now regret not converting. The game was settled when Spencer lost the ball in midfield when coming forward, the loose ball was pushed through to Paul who was in space, and he made no mistake in a one-on-one with the keeper. This obviously was the turning point of the game. It jolted Spencer into a sense of urgency, but Yaxley played with the luxury of the two-goal cushion and were able to comfortably absorb any additional Spencer pressure and see the game out. In my view, the balance of the game was much closer than the scoreline would suggest, the main difference being Mark Paul who never stopped running all night. For the neutral this must have been a fantastic advert for UCL football. Pace, commitment, goals, passing - it had the lot. I must also say that the match officials were absolutely first class. As a vociferous critic of UCL officials, I am pleased to be able to say that these guys did an excellent job - can we have them every week?  ? Good luck to Yaxley in the final! |
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Post by thewhistler on Mar 15, 2006 15:12:46 GMT 1
Well perhaps poor was a bit extreme in my view but it was patently obvious the better side won. The fact that Urquhart had many more saves to make than the Yaxley keeper proved that.
Agree that Paul was the best player on the pitch by a long way as earlier stated.
Speaking to several of the locals, they agreed that Yaxley wanted it more and it showed.
Thought the match officials did alright....linesman dug out side was flagging in planes in the first half and I thought the ref should have cut out the stupid stuff like kicking the ball away at every free kick! didn't think that helped either team.
Apparently Mr Rathbone has the other semi so watch out!
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Post by spencerbloke on Mar 15, 2006 16:06:05 GMT 1
I only really saw one where the far side lino flagged for a player who wasn't in the active zone. I didn't think there was a lot of kicking the ball away, I think players try and make too big a deal out of it these days.
If I was being critical of the ref, I'd say maybe he could have been a little stricter with the Yaxley #10 who was pulled up for a lot of fouls.
Certainly don't disagree that Yaxley deserved it
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Post by thewhistler on Mar 15, 2006 19:46:44 GMT 1
Good comments there Spencerbloke.
Must say the pitch was in poor condition compared to what I have seen it in during the season. If anybody deserves groundsman of the year then your's does as he has worked wonders with what is notorious for being a difficult surface.
I feel a thread coming on ;D
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Post by spencerbloke on Mar 15, 2006 20:48:57 GMT 1
Thank you Mr Whistler. I think I've narrowed you down to one of two from the clutch of referees at the Mill last night (is there a collective term for referees? a flock? a swarm? a bunch?) - the deciding question is.....will we see you on Saturday?  You're right, Spencer's pitch in not conducive to good football, and the players will all say that their best performances are away these days. However, as it dries out and firms up things will no doubt improve. Looking at some options for drainage and also to include the pitch currently outside the fence - expansion plans are hopefully going to signal a new era down there. I'll pass on your kind comments to the stalwarts who keep the pitch playable. |
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Post by thewhistler on Mar 16, 2006 13:18:11 GMT 1
Interesting thoughts Mr Bloke but sadly I wasn't among them though I did speak to them momentarily! and no I'm not at your gaffe on Saturday!
As for a collection of referees? a gaggle? ;D
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Post by kilnparkman on Mar 16, 2006 14:44:20 GMT 1
great report spencerbloke... and well done Yaxley
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Post by spencerbloke on Mar 16, 2006 14:45:28 GMT 1
I think you need to start a poll to agree the collective noun for referees
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Post by Administrator on Mar 16, 2006 14:56:25 GMT 1
you after karma points?! ;D |
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