23 November 2008

Leabridge FC 3 Paul Birch FC 0

Paul Birch FC fell to a 3-0 defeat to Leabridge in what was a very competitive game.

The game started in horrendous weather which included heavy rain, sleet and freezing wind. It was extremely difficult to watch the game from the sidelines so it must have been awful for the players.

The conditions meant that it was not going to be a game where attractive football was played, it was going to be a scrap. PB were looking to avenge the 6-1 home defeat they suffered in September and the Leabridge team included two former Paul Birch FC captains, Danny Alder and James Collins.

PB once again had selection problems and Gary Partridge was drafted in at the last minute to make up a bare 11.

Both sides made strong starts to the game and it was definately looking like it was going to be battle. The first talking point happened midway through the first half when Steve Birch was put through and was brought down by former team mate Alder just outside the box. Suprisingly, the referee did not award the foul and Alder must have been breathing a sigh of relief.

Up the other end, Wawrzewski was forced into a fine save from a shot which the keeper got a touch to and the ball hit the bar. The second controversial incident came when Partridge was adjudged to have brought down Alder in the penalty area. There did not seem to be very much contact but the referee awarded the penalty and Leabridge converted to make it 1-0.

The PB players were frustrated at half time after a good solid performance in the first half but felt robbed by the decisions.

The second half was very equal again but Leabridge killed off the game after only fifteen minutes. They had a freekick just inside the PB half which was launched forward and then the PB defence could not clear the ball and it was sent across the box for an easy tap-in. 2-0 Leabridge

That was a kick-in the teeth for Paul Birch FC and they never really recovered. Alan Selby, who was carrying an injury, had to come off and they were down to ten men.

Leabridge rounded things off in the last minute of the game when a corner was sent into the box and there player rose and headed the ball in. It was a further controversial moment as Wawrzewski clearly appeared to have been fouled when jumping for the ball but the referre did not agree. 3-0 Leabridge FC

So it was another defeat after a fine win at Midway last week but Leabridge are a good side and will be challenging for promotion this season. PB will feel that they were on the receiving end from some dubious referee decisions but they played well and defended stoutly.

Mike Smith
Club Secretary

Man of the match: Mark Beale - Solid throughout.

Team:

Wawrzewski (c), Cowling, Tarrant, Beale, Cook, G. Partridge, Robinson, Selby, Gard, Birch, Fellah


Bookings: None

Goals:

Subs not used: None

Referee: Chris Reeve