Match Reports 2006-2007
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Sunday 26th November 2006 League Wheatsheaf 3 v Rising Sun 1 |
Wheatsheaf were again struggling to field a competitive team with Nick Jackson, Rob Evans, James McLean, Matt Roberts, Karl Rainbird, Mark Harvey and Matt Maskery all missing. So in came Dean Hickin to partner Askey in the centre of defence. Richard Riley made his debut on the left of midfield, whilst Dyche continued to play up front after his impressive showing last week. Wheatsheaf would be looking to avenge a defeat in last seasons cup final by today's opponents who have changed their name from Highland Laddie. Seymour won the toss and opted to kick uphill in the first half. |
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Match Report Rising Sun kicked off the match and immediately put Wheatsheaf under pressure. Stanway's reactions were tested within 30 seconds as he was forced to make a full length save from a Rising Sun midfielder. He made several more saves and along with some scrappy defending by his back four they kept the scores level. However Stores resolve was finally broken in the 18th minute as a Rising Sun player poked a weak shot at Stanway which he could have easily caught in his teeth, however his attempt left his team-mates wishing that he had. He grasped at the ball and it somehow squirmed out of his grasp and over his shoulder into the net. It was cruel on the keeper who had justified his selection until this momentary lapse of concentration. Wheatsheaf's first real chance came on 20 minutes when Dyche broke clear of the defence, but his shot was well saved by the keeper. Stanway then made the save of the match when he tipped over a thunderous drive from a Rising Sun striker. Stores could have been level soon after when a dream cross from Seymour was met by a bullet header from Dyche, which narrowly went over the bar. Rising Sun had several more chances before the half-time whistle, but failed to capitalise on their dominance. Wheatsheaf were happy to walk off at the break with the score at 1-0.
Half Time: Wheatsheaf 0 - Rising Sun 1
The second half begun and Wheatsheaf looked determined to turn the game around. They found it difficult to break down a Rising Sun defence who were finding kicking up-hill more of a challenge. Riley was then substituted after a steady debut and McLean came on after turning up after kick off. He immediately began to make an impression as he went on a mazy run taking on several players, but he was unable to get his shot away. Askey and Hickin looked comfortable at the back as Stores started to dominate the game. Wheatsheaf's pressure eventually paid off on sixty minutes when McLean won a corner. Kev Jones swung one of his trademark corners towards the goal, but it was headed out by a defender on the line. However the danger was not cleared and the ball fell to Dyche on the edge of the area who volleyed the ball towards the goal. His strong shot beat the keeper via a deflection from Seymour. Despite protests for a hand ball by Seymour, the goal was awarded. Minutes later Chris Cobby went close with an effort from 30 yards but the keeper just managed to tip his dipping shot over the bar. The game then turned ugly on 70 minutes. The Rising Sun number 8 was booked for continually mouthing off at the referee and was then threatened with a red for prolonging his protests. Just as his manager was about to substitute him, Rising Sun went on the break. The number 8 picked up the ball by the corner flag and ran into the area. Unfortunately his touch was too strong and the ball was gathered easily by a sliding Stanway. Realising he wasn't going to get the ball the number 8 then leaped off the floor and lunged two footed at Stanway and studded him in the face. The keeper stayed on the ground with blood pouring from wounds on his face and the referee had no option but to give the player a straight red card. The referee described the challenge as the 'worst he had ever seen' and gave managers Plant and Craig the option of abandoning the game due to the injury sustained by Stanway. However after several minutes of treatment the big keeper bravely offered to carry on and the match was restarted. Wheatsheaf began to make their man advantage count and they had several opportunities to take the lead. However their reward came on 78 minutes when Seymour ran at the defence with the ball and attempted to thread a pass through to Matt Craig who had come into the middle. However the pass was cut out by the defence but Dyche did brilliantly to win the ball back and flicked it forward which looped off the defender and bounced into no-mans-land behind the defence. Craig was first to react and raced on to the ball, whilst the keeper rushed off his line to close him down. However Craig's pace won him the race and he lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper from 20 yards. With the Rising Sun spirit now broken Wheatsheaf further extended their lead with five minutes to go. Kev Jones robbed the left back of the ball and ran into the area where he placed a fine shot into the right corner of the net for his third goal of the season. It was a well deserved victory that was all the more impressive due to the amount of absentees from the team.
Full Time: Wheatsheaf 3 - Rising Sun 1
Man of The Match: JoelDyche & Damien Askey |
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