Match: League Match 3 – Maypole Utd 2 vs 4 Redditch United

Date: Sunday 23rd September 2007

Report: (By Darran Ward)

The boys playing in their new “blue” away kit for the first time got off to a super start as early as the 1st minute, Brad opening his account with a super shot leaving the keeper sprawling to watch the ball fly in at the far post, 0vs1. The goal followed intelligent build up play after Rob launched one of his trade mark throws to find Nick who flicked the ball to the edge of the box for Brad to burst through and unleash his shot. Soon after and a crunching tackle/foul on Ben N in midfield signalled Maypole’s intent! Well done to Ben though as he was soon back on his feet and back into the match. Maypole, shell shocked by the early goal were beginning to get into their stride and Rob showed superb pace to put in a couple of last ditch challenges. Special mention to Huddy as he also put in some great block tackles, standing strong as last man, his performance must have been pretty close to man of the match also. On 13 mins the home team were back level again after the Blues failed to close the ball and a soft shot appeared to take Ross by surprise and roll into the back of the net, 1vs1. Further pressure on the home teams goal saw Charlie fouled on the edge of the box, Sam’s free kick curling just wide of the post. On 20 mins however, the Blues got their noses in front again when this time Nick was fouled on the edge of the box. Sam again curled a dipping shot in, which the keeper could only parry for Charlie to appear, beat the goalie to the bouncing ball and nod in for 1vs2. Within a minute, the lead was extended after Brad picked up the ball in midfield, broke forward and hit a similar ball to his 1st goal, this time it appeared that the ball was going wide except that Nick dived in at pace at the back stick to slam the ball home, 1vs3. Maypole countered and following a hopeful punt forward, the ball was looking like going out over the dead ball line, only for a home team forward to nip in and cross the ball into the box for their striker to close the gap to 2vs3. In a high scoring 1st half, and with plenty of Blues pressure on the home team building, a goal kick was met directly by Brad who strode a few paces forward to slot the ball home to increase the boys lead to 2vs4. The last action of the half saw Ross pull off a superb diving save, low at his near post, pushing the ball wide and out, drawing applause from the travelling fans.

Half Time Score: Maypole Utd 2 vs 4 Redditch United

The 2nd half would prove difficult to live up to the goal fest of the first 25 minutes and although both teams attempted to extend the score line no further goals were added. The Blues moved the ball around more neatly and quickly but without real pressure on the home teams goal. As the game wore on though it was Redditch who were carving out the better opportunities only to be stopped in their tracks by some cynical challenges, George, Max and others were to require treatment after beating their markers only to find themselves dumped on the ground a split second later. Some super balls were however played through the midfield by Nick and Charlie allowing some runs on goal, Max was unfortunate on a couple of occasions to see shots cleared off the line. At the other end Rob, Sam, Huddy and George were putting in some great tackles. Jack and Reece were introduced into the game to supply fresh legs in the midfield, both getting involved straight away. Not long before the final whistle and Ross pulled off another top drawer save to keep the score the same at the end. Not a bad tempered game but too many nasty challenges for this level of football, but in such a battling match a great result for the lads to see them climb the table.

Full Time Score: Maypole Utd 2 vs 4 Redditch United

Reds Goals/Scorers: 1st Half: Brad - shot from left, beat keeper at far post.

  Charlie - header after rebound from keeper, following Sam free kick.

  Nick - far post shot following Brad cross cum shot.

  Brad - direct from opposition goal keeper.

Man of the Match: Rob (chosen by the Maypole Utd manager)

Formation:  4 - 4 - 2

Colours:  Blue/White Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Substitutes:  JACK, MATT, REECE