MATCH REPORT for SUNDAY 7th October 2012
AFC North Heath 0 St Michaels F C 2
St Michaels returned to League action determined to continue their unbeaten start to the season against another unbeaten team in AFC North Heath. A tough encounter was expected and it proved to be exactly that.
Both teams started brightly playing neat quick passing football and the game flowed from end to end. St Michaels however took the advantage when in the 12th minute a long throw from James Mckerrell was firmly headed in by Stuart Bird for his eleventh goal in 5 games. The game continued at a rapid pace and both teams were thwarted by some excellent saves from the Goalkeepers. This continued through the rest of the half but at Half Time the score was 1 – 0 to St Michaels.
The second half started as had the first with both teams having chances but the defences and keepers making sure there was no change to the score. St Michaels then had a purple patch and in the 68th minute Connor Reardon unluckily headed against the upright and 3 minutes later a miraculous double save from the North Heath keeper foiled Danny Baptiste on both occasions.
On the 73rd minute Ryan Nibbs came on for Danny Baptiste to make his debut in a St Michaels shirt. A minute later the result was secured when a long ball from Harry Graham down the middle was calmly converted by Stuart Bird. Cue “Birdy” celebrations from the scorer and his relieved team mates. 2 – 0 to St Michaels. There was still time for chances at both ends and also a booking late on for the North Heath number 4 who brought Adam Fahy down just outside the box when a goal looked a certainty.
A great performance from all of the St Michael players. Special mentions this week however go to Harry Graham with a superb performance in goal, Connor Reardon with another great performance in Defence and Stuart Bird for his customary addition to his goals tally. Man of the match this week however goes to Jack Jolly who in only his 2nd game gave a faultless display in midfield.
Next week is a crucial game against unbeaten F C Puma who gave us two hard games last year.
