[Report by D Kavanagh]
The Sheffield Academicals took on the league leaders at Warminster Road looking to avenge a heavy defeat earlier in the season. Pretty much the same side that got a great result the week before started again with Swifty and Daz starting up front as Alex was away; Bri unlucky to drop to the bench.
Sheffield started much the better side and earned the right to play with some strong challenges all over the park. Bondy and Reedy both went in hard on the useful Dearne player on schoolboy forms and really let him know they were there. Jamie also clattered him fairly as did Matt G in the centre of the park as he started to drop deep to try and get on the ball. This set the tone all over the park and it was the Accies that dictated the play; it seemed only a matter of time until they opened the scoring which they duly did as Matt Glendenning picked up a loose ball from the Dearne right-back and struck a nice shot across the keeper; Daz got a toe to it which deflected it back toward the keeper but he seemed to fall over the ball as it squirmed through and over the line. No idea who that one is going down to. There’s only one way to settle it. FIIIIIIIGHT!
Within the next ten minutes Accies could have extended their lead twice more as Swifty was put through on both occasions by Matt G but pulled one attempt into the side netting and brought a smart save from the keep with the other. A couple of minutes after that Jamie did double the advantage as Matt G and Hodgy pressured their midfield into making another mistake (it might even have been the Dearne right back again) but the ball came to Jamie 25 yards out who took one touch and smashed it into the bottom corner. Accies were in complete control although a terrific save from Godwin (;-)) kept the margin at 2 at half time.
Half time 2-0
The second half started much the same as the first had ended although the Accies made sure that Dearne knew we were still up for it with some hefty challenges. Bondy and Jamie laid in heavy challenges on the number 10 who was getting mightily peeved by now. Hodgy was battling hard as was Reedy, Stan and Ryan were having solid games and providing plenty of cover and Batts was continuing to mop up any loose balls. A change came up front with Hodgy who had picked up a strain coming off for Bri which saw Daz drop into midfield. Unfortunately the shape went for a split second and their left back came forward in space and put in a dangerous cross-shot which Godwin could only parry and it dropped invitingly at the feet of their forward who made no mistake. A bit harsh as it was only the second chance the visitors had created all afternoon. This led to a small spell of pressure, their forward drawing an unbelievable save from Godwin as they pushed for an equaliser.
Bri was unlucky to have to leave the field after a clash of heads and Dan Kav came on wide right to stop their left back coming forward. Both sides were attacking well now but the Accies were starting to look a little tired after everyone had put in a real shift. With only a couple of minutes left the ball was put into their strikers feet who turned smartly and ran into the box, Batts had herded him wide but stuck out a foot which was exactly what the forward was waiting for and went down easily with minimal contact. The penalty was dispatched for 2-2.
Stan had a couple more opportunities to compound their full-backs embarrassment which he duly did, running round him twice more as the Accies searched in vain for a deserved winner. Matt G’s rooftop volley summing up some tired legs as the game finished with a great result feeling more like a loss for the second week running.
