Post by kilnparkman on Sept 10, 2006 10:28:44 GMT 1
Stanstead crash out to mighty Raunds
Raunds’ busy cup period was continued on Saturday in the FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round against Stanstead FC. Following a magnificent display in the FA Cup, which saw the club advance past Enfield after a gripping replay last week, boss Colin Ridgway’s extra training sessions in the lead up to the FA Vase kept the players in check, and extinguished any feelings of complacency.
The training certainly paid off. The Shopmates form has not been in question in recent weeks, and this 7-1 victory further added to the notion that the team, and management, are well suited and close-nit.
In a game where the only real notable incidents were goals, it was refreshing that there was such a big score line. Kicking off the scoring after 14 minutes was Adam Taylor, from an edge of the box volley. A minute later Taylor showed his hunger by netting again, this time from close range after an attack straight from kick off. After Jamie Russell’s 18th minute close range volley went in the back of the net, the players began enjoying the game – with Adam Bridgeford narrowly missing after 26 minutes. A goalmouth scramble just before half time twice denied Coales of his first goal of the season, and the cross bar denied Taylor of his first hat-trick.
At 3-0 up, the spectators were expecting Ridgway’s team to kill the game off in the second half, and play deep possessive football – but this was not the case. Eager to impress, just 6 minutes after the re-start, substitute Tanner made a solo run down the right wing, picking out an unmarked Jamie Russell with a precision cross, but the chance was not taken and the ball was fired past the post by the determined number 10. Fellow substitute, and workhorse, Sol Benjamin showed his presence and determination after a 54th minute close range effort ended up in the back of the net, his 57th minute headed attempt saved by the ‘keeper, and his 60th minute individual attack and shot on goal making it a deserved 5 for Raunds.
In between organised Shopmates attacks, Stanstead managed to have two clear attempts on goal. The 70th minute close range shot sailing over the bar, and the 75th minute scrap in the box resulting in a consolation for the Airportmen.
Not happy with being 5-1 up after 75 minutes, Raunds replied in the 80th minute from the longest range shot of the game, courtesy of third substitute Callum Ridgway. A minute later Russell attempted to bag his second, but missed the top left corner by a matter of inches. There was action right to the end, with Callum Ridgway’s second, and Raunds’ seventh coming after 87 minutes. Injury time action in the penalty area saw Tanner look to get his name on the score sheet, but the header ended up the wrong side of the net. Full time: Raunds Town 7-1 Stanstead.
A thoroughly deserved victory, which was executed perfectly. Saturday’s game was an excellent example of passing football at it’s best. Lesser teams may have defended a 3-0 lead, or become greedy and rushed with long balls – yet the Shopmates took the game in the best possible way and played football throughout the 90 minutes. The score line could easily have been more impressive.
The next fixture is on Tuesday 12th September away at top of the league Northampton Spencer, with a Saturday FA Cup 1st Qualifying match against Buckingham Town away. A coach leaves Kiln Park at 12:30pm, all persons welcome.
Key players: Adam Taylor and Callum Ridgway
By: LEE DUNKLEY – RAUNDS TOWN FC PRESS OFFICER
Raunds’ busy cup period was continued on Saturday in the FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round against Stanstead FC. Following a magnificent display in the FA Cup, which saw the club advance past Enfield after a gripping replay last week, boss Colin Ridgway’s extra training sessions in the lead up to the FA Vase kept the players in check, and extinguished any feelings of complacency.
The training certainly paid off. The Shopmates form has not been in question in recent weeks, and this 7-1 victory further added to the notion that the team, and management, are well suited and close-nit.
In a game where the only real notable incidents were goals, it was refreshing that there was such a big score line. Kicking off the scoring after 14 minutes was Adam Taylor, from an edge of the box volley. A minute later Taylor showed his hunger by netting again, this time from close range after an attack straight from kick off. After Jamie Russell’s 18th minute close range volley went in the back of the net, the players began enjoying the game – with Adam Bridgeford narrowly missing after 26 minutes. A goalmouth scramble just before half time twice denied Coales of his first goal of the season, and the cross bar denied Taylor of his first hat-trick.
At 3-0 up, the spectators were expecting Ridgway’s team to kill the game off in the second half, and play deep possessive football – but this was not the case. Eager to impress, just 6 minutes after the re-start, substitute Tanner made a solo run down the right wing, picking out an unmarked Jamie Russell with a precision cross, but the chance was not taken and the ball was fired past the post by the determined number 10. Fellow substitute, and workhorse, Sol Benjamin showed his presence and determination after a 54th minute close range effort ended up in the back of the net, his 57th minute headed attempt saved by the ‘keeper, and his 60th minute individual attack and shot on goal making it a deserved 5 for Raunds.
In between organised Shopmates attacks, Stanstead managed to have two clear attempts on goal. The 70th minute close range shot sailing over the bar, and the 75th minute scrap in the box resulting in a consolation for the Airportmen.
Not happy with being 5-1 up after 75 minutes, Raunds replied in the 80th minute from the longest range shot of the game, courtesy of third substitute Callum Ridgway. A minute later Russell attempted to bag his second, but missed the top left corner by a matter of inches. There was action right to the end, with Callum Ridgway’s second, and Raunds’ seventh coming after 87 minutes. Injury time action in the penalty area saw Tanner look to get his name on the score sheet, but the header ended up the wrong side of the net. Full time: Raunds Town 7-1 Stanstead.
A thoroughly deserved victory, which was executed perfectly. Saturday’s game was an excellent example of passing football at it’s best. Lesser teams may have defended a 3-0 lead, or become greedy and rushed with long balls – yet the Shopmates took the game in the best possible way and played football throughout the 90 minutes. The score line could easily have been more impressive.
The next fixture is on Tuesday 12th September away at top of the league Northampton Spencer, with a Saturday FA Cup 1st Qualifying match against Buckingham Town away. A coach leaves Kiln Park at 12:30pm, all persons welcome.
Key players: Adam Taylor and Callum Ridgway
By: LEE DUNKLEY – RAUNDS TOWN FC PRESS OFFICER