SUNDAY 20TH JANUARY 2008

Following on from last weeks demolition of Crayside Colts (which rumour
has it has pushed the side to pull out of the league), Paul Birch
reserves were on a high hoping for a strong second half to the season.

The side knew that every player had to give 110% if they were to
overcome top of the league opponents Eden Park Rangers 'A' away, but
with the improved passing and team morale showed last week there was no
reason why they could not take the win.

Manager, Pete Sparrow started with the unusual formation of McCarthy and
P.Partridge in central midfield with Rees at left back. This was a
change from McCarthy's striker role he has been playing all season but
it turned out to be a good tactical decision by the gaffer.

The game started off with an immediate scare for Paul Birch as Eden Park
broke down the left delivering a good cross which was headed wide by the
unchallenged Eden Park striker. This prompted Paul Birch into action and
from then on every player began to concentrate on the game.

Paul Birch looked comfortable in all positions and were making numerous
chances upfront but were always seeming to pass when they should shoot
and shoot when they should be passing! The midfield four were dictating
play with the back four rarely troubled and Willmott in goal confidently
claiming several long balls into the box.

The break through came from a corner taken by T.O'Shaughnessy which was
dropped by the Eden Park keeper, leaving Knight an easy tap in. Paul
Birch knew that this was not the end of it and that they would need to
keep focussed if they were to take the three points.

With this in mind, Paul Birch pushed on with G.Sparrow having a
beautiful strike which looked destined for the back of the net be saved
by the full stretch Eden Park keeper and then Knight was denied yet
another goal by a dubious offside decision given by the Eden Park lino.

Half time 0-1

Pete Sparrow reminded the team during the half time talk that the game
was far from over and to continue getting as many shots on goal as
possible. 45 minutes now stood before Paul Birch and a win against the
table toppers.

The second half was pretty uneventful in all honesty with Paul Birch
trying to keep things tight and get to the final whistle still in front.
This was made easier after some nice link up play on the left between
Rees, G.Sparrow and Paine led to a good finish by Paine inside the box
which gave Paul Birch some breathing space.

And to round off a near perfect day for Paul Birch, Rutherford came on
for the last 20 minutes following his nasty knee injury sustained two
weeks ago and Willmott ensured the second clean sheet of the season for
Paul Birch with a good tip over from a long range shot late on.

Full time 0-2

If Paul Birch can keep this momentum going and with thirty points still
up for grabs in the league, there is no reason why the newly formed club
should not be at the very top end of the table come the end of the
season.

Man of the match: Ronan McCarthy - Every player put in a solid performance today but McCarthy
playing in a new role in the centre with his tireless running and
battling all game just shades it!

Team: Willmott, G. Partridge, Ashioti, A. O'Shaughnessy, Rees, T. O'Shaughnessy, McCarthy, P.Partridge, Sparrow, Knight (Rutherford), Paine

Subs not used: Bioletti