Match Reports on the web

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Can't see the CUFC version of events. Says I need to register...?

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The match report is the same. Cambridge United Mad

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try here

 

Go to 'how they saw it' in match details.

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Boston Today - Great start for 'Bazza'

 

Boston Standard

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nice!

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St Albans City v Aldershot Town Aldershot News and Mail

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Altrincham v St Albans City Messenger Newspapers

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The Altrincham FC official site has a match report against St Alban's City. Same score and everything. Must have played it in the morning before playing us. Altrinc Ham FC official website

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Monday, August 28, 2006 St Albans City 1 - 0 Tamworth Tamworth made their first ever trip to Clarence Park on Bank Holiday Monday on the back of their first Conference victory of the season and while there were no assumptions being made that the excellent performance would continue at , the mood in the camp was excellent and Mark Cooper was looking for more of the same. He made only one change from the side that beat the Grecians on Saturday, with Graeme Law coming in for Alan Neilson. Watched by Non League England manager Paul Fairclough, both side were out to impress and Graeme Law headed home a left wing cross from Gavin McAllum with just 7 minutes gone, but the referee had already blown for an infringement.<br />Both sides struggled to create any clear cut chances but on 17 Jon Stevenson went down holding his knee and he had to be replaced by Matt Williams. The Lambs first corner came just short of the half hour mark and although the first ball in was penetrating it was headed away by the home defence and the return ball in was wasted by McGrath. The home side then took the lead when Paul Hakim broke clear of the Lambs defence thanks to a Lee Clarke through ball on 32 and slotted the ball under Sean Bowles. (0-1) Tamworth’s only real chance of the rest of the first half came from Williams’low shot at Paul Bastock which did little to trouble the home keeper HT: 0-1

Hakim had two chances to extend his sides lead at the start of the second half, but he was deinied by a thumping Law header in the Lambs area and then Bradley Thomas slid in to deny a shooting chance form the edge of the box when the corner wasn’t cleared sufficiently. McGrath launched a long free kick into the area on 57 which evaded everyone in the box and almost sneaked in at the far post, but just went wide of Bastock’s goal. McGrath’s corner kick on the hour mark should perhaps have brought about the equalizing goal, but the home defenders threw everything at the ball as Kemp looked to strike from close range. Bowles denied St Albans three times in succession all within the space of a minute – the first palming away a corner and then twice blocking low shots at his near post from Tom Davis’ grass cutters. The home side continued to look for a second, but almost snatched an equalizer on 78. Matt Williams ran through and shot from the edge of the area and although Bastock spilled his effort, neither Williams nor Atieno were quick enough to capitalise on the loose ball. On 85 Gary Elphick almost snatched a second but the chance was beaten away by the Lambs defence as the home crowd got ready to celebrate. 5 minutes added time, caused by stoppages from injuries on both sides gave an extended chance to get something from the game but could not muster a goal to rescue a point. FT: 0-1

Goals: Hakim 32

 

Yellow Cards: Clarke 34, Smith 39, Thomas 48, Davis 90

Red Cards: none

Att: 1184 (170 TFC The Lambs Website

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Oxford United 2 St Albans City 1 Oxford United FC Official Website

 

United went back to the top of the league tonight as they showed their mettle once again. Down to ten men, United found the strength of character to hit back immediately with a goal from Yemi Odubade and after being pegged back by hard working Saints they found a stunning winner from Matt Day to send everyone home happy.

Jim Smith was forced into making one change to the team that battled to a point against Weymouth on Monday.With Steve Basham failing to recover from the injury that he picked up in Weymouth, new deadline day signing Marvin Robinson was handed a first start for United.There was some good news though as John Dempster returned after recovering from his knock, but the midfielder had to make do with a place on the bench.

With the crowd of over 6,000 still pouring through the turnstiles as the game started, United almost had the best possible start when they came close to opening the scoring in the first minute.

Good play from Andy Burgess freed Rob Duffy in the box, but veteran keeper Paul Bastock did well to race from his line and smother the danger. It was a decent start from the home side, but it almost got better in the 12th minute when United had a goal disallowed.Carl Pettefer's twenty yard shot was deflected, Bastock did well to push the ball against the bar, but Marvin Robinson was adjudged off side as he and Duffy bundled the ball into the net.

Robinson had started well and was causing the visitors problems with his physical presence.It almost paid off four minutes later when he glanced a Burgess cross just wide as United continued to push for the opening goal.Unfortunately for Robinson, that was as good as it got, for just a minute later the striker seemed to land awkwardly and had to be replaced by Yemi Odubade. With the first finger on his left hand pointing west and the rest pointing southit was a horrific looking injury although it may not keep him out for too long.

The change seemed to affect United and for the first time in the match it was the away side that were controlling the game and in the 29th minute things took another turn for the worse when Gavin Johnson appeared to pull his hamstring and had to be replaced by Matt Day.

Chris Hargreaves tried to change that two minutes later when he flashed a header over the bar after some great individual skill from Burgess had set Anaclet free down the right and it was turning into an enjoyable end-to-end encounter with both sides pushing men forward in attack.

When given time on the ball, Oxford were playing some decent football and Anaclet showed his ability in the 42nd minute when he cut inside two defenders but saw his shot fly just past the post and then in injury time Odubade saw his shot pushed away from Bastock as United looked for the opening goal. That was as close as United came in the first half and you did get the feeling that although the score was level, Oxford would be disappointed not to be in front.

 

The second half again opened with The U's on the prowl and The Saints soaking up pressure, but chances were far and few between. Odubade came close on the hour after racing clear on to a Day through ball, and the home fans were in full voice trying to suck the ball into the goal at the Oxford Mail end. Yemi really should have got them the goal they were craving on 65 minutes when he was given the freedom of the penalty area but saw his shot somehow deflected up and over the bar by the dastardly Bastock, so often a thorn in United's side.

It was turning into one of those nights, and a minute later the whole thing went even more pear shaped as Hargreaves lunged at the ball and caught Tom Davis on the shin. Ref Kinseley saw it as an over the top challenge and Hargreaves was dismissed.

 

So, what do you do when you go a man down? Obviously you charge up the other end and take the lead. Moments after going a man behind the U's were in front as Willmott launched the ball for Duffy who flicked the ball on for Odubade, again in acres of space, and this time the United supersub found the finish to match with a neat finish past the onrushing Bastock. Twice this season United have gone down to ten men, twice Yemi has then scored. And if you use The Odubade Scale of including assists as half a goal he now has four and a half!

St Albans had given everything and will cause plenty of teams problems, but were looking tired and beaten when suddenly they found a goal from nowhere! A right wing corner was met by Dave Thobald's head and suddenly United's dreams of going top were dissolving.

Pegged back and a man down? Well, obviously you rush up the other end and score. Matt Day, playing as left back, suddenly found himself inhabited by the spirit of Roberto Carlos. Two shimmies, a swift dummy then SMASH and the ball was in the back of the net for his first goal for the club and The U's were loving Friday night.

There was still time for Eddie Hutchinson to hit the bar from 20 yards, but that really would have capped a fine evening's work and another terrific team performance to earn an ovation from the Oxford public.

[MiddxSaint]

Oxford V St Albans Yellows-Online.com

 

New boy Marvin Johnson lasted a whole 20 mins of his debut before being replaced by Yemi Odubade after picking up an injury.

 

Straight from the off Oxford attacked and within the first half a min Duffy had the keeper forced into a save as he struck from 6 yards only to see Bastock tip the shot round the post.

 

Duffy then a few mins later saw his header go wide from a Hargreaves cross.

 

It wasnt all one way Traffic though St Albans top scorer Hakim saw his shot charged down by Barry Quinn just before the 10 min mark.

 

Oxford should have gone ahead on 12 mind when Pettefer drilled a right footed effort goalwards only to be denied by the feet of Bastock, but Robinson was offside when he anticipated the shot and tried to pinch a goal.

 

Just after the quarter hour mark the Oxford new boy was clattered by Elphick and picked up a knock he was unable to shake off and was therefore replaced a couple of Minutes later by Yemi Odubade.

 

The injury list grew ever longer on 29 mins when Johnson was replaced by Matt Day, Oxford had been forced to make 2 substitutions in the first half hour.

As the clock ticked over into added on time Ancalet crossed a peach of a ball over and it was met by Odubade, who hit his volley goalwards and it was going in until the keeper tipped it over the bar.

 

Oxford started the second half in much the same vane as they started the first with Duffy shooting first this time though the shot was well caught by the keeper as Oxford pressed for the opener.

 

on 48 Burgess tried to re create his seasons opener against Halifax (although a bit closer) his 25 yard curling effort was well saved by Bastock though as Oxford pressed for the opener. Duffy, Burgess and Odubade all went close for Oxford as the opening goal seemed a case of when not if.

 

With just over 20 mins left of the Half Oxford were dealt a blow as former captain (and point saver against Weymouth) Chris Hargreaves received his marching orders for "serious Foul Play"

 

This didnt derail the Oxford Express and they found themselves ahead soon after when, Duffy headed to Yemi who made no mistake as he blasted Oxford into the lead from the middle of the area into the top corner. It was no more than Oxford and Yemi deserved in truth.

 

 

 

Yemi brings tally to three

 

Four mins later Burgess again hit a long range speculative effort goalwards but it was well covered by the keeper as Oxford pressed for a second and St ALbans tried to get back into the game.

 

As any seasoned Oxfrod United Supporter will tell you the most action usually comes in the last 10 mins of a match and this match was no exception.

 

First St Albans pulled Level when Seeby drove a right footed shot goalwards but it was blocked by Quinn going out for a corner. Wilde curled an inswinging corner right on the head of David Theobald who headed low to pull the saints level with 7 mins to go.

 

Oxford hit straight back through Matt Day as he drilled a left footed shot into the top right of the goal from the left of the penalty area to give Oxford the lead once again.

 

 

 

A great Day For United

 

Again that led to nervous OUFC supporters biting their finger nails down to the quick, the clock ticked down a lot slower than the fingernails were bitten but Oxford managed to hold on for the 3 points and remain unbeaten for the season and also with tonights other results we are 2 points clear of York who could only manage a 0-0 draw with Stafford Rangers and 3 points clear of Grays who went down 1-0 to Burton Albion. Weymouth play tomorrow and are 3 points behind with a 4 goal defecit.

 

Bring On Morecambe on the 9th

 

St Albans OWS

 

All the best

 

Big Ox

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Rage Online

 

Last night United went two points clear at the top of the Conference, after beating a determined St Albans side 2-1 at home. Oxford had been reduced to ten men when Chris Hargreaves had been sent off in the 67th minute for an alleged two-footed tackle, but this setback hardly affected the home side's dominance over a Saints side that had clearly come to try and gain a point.

In the first half Carl Pettefer's shot was pushed onto the bar by Paul Bastock, but new signing Marvin Robinson was adjudged offside as he pounced to put the rebound into the net. Just before half time, Eddie Anaclet surged inside, but his shot went just wide. In the second half, Yemi Odubade should have done better when Matt Day put him clean through, but Bastock stood up well and made the save. Two minutes after Hargreaves's dismissal, United took the lead when Yemi pounced on Duffy's header and flicked the ball wide of Bastock. With six minutes left it looked like St Albans had gained the point that they hardly deserved, as Dave Theobald was left unmarked at a corner to head home. This was the sort of goal that United had conceded too often in pre-season, and which they had apparently worked on during training. However, within a couple of minutes the rightful order was restored as Day surged through the massed Saints defence and smashed the ball into the top right-hand corner of the goal.

Jim Smith was forced into one change from the side that drew at Weymouth, with Steve Basham still struggling with a hamstring injury. This allowed Smith to give a debut to new signing Marvin Robinson up front. Unfortunately, Robbo III's debut only lasted 20 minutes, after which he landed awkwardly and did nasty things to one of his fingers, forcing Yemi into another early appearance. Less than ten minutes later, things went from bad to worse for United, as Gavin Johnson became the latest U to suffer a hamstring injury, and he had to be replaced by Day. With quarter of an hour remaining, and United defending a 1-0 lead, Smith took off striker Rob Duffy and brought on Eddie Hutchinson. Steady Eddie will probably be the replacement for Hargreaves, who faces a three-match suspension.

The match referee was N Kinseley (another one without a mention on Soccerbase). It would be difficult to prove the statement that he was the worst referee yet seen at a senior professional match in Oxford, but he certainly made a decent attempt to earn that accolade. He showed yellow cards to Yemi and Chris Willmott, both for late tackles, and arguably the dismissal of Hargreaves was justified, but in terms of overall decision making Mr Kinseley was absolutely hopeless. He missed one blatant back pass by a St Albans defender, picked up by Bastock, as well as various fouls in and around both penalty areas (one on Pettefer, in particular, was difficult to miss), while calling play back for no real reason on a number of occasions. Abysmal. The attendance was a splendid 6,190, easily the highest Conference attendance of the season so far, and the 30th best ever in this league. We hope to produce a proper match report sometime in the near future.

The win gives the Us a two-point cushion at the top of the Conference, at least until this afternoon, when Weymouth visit United's next opponents, Morecambe. St Albans drop to 13th. Grays, who were top, lost 1-0 at home to Burton to drop to third and lift Burton up to 11th. York, previously 4th, are now second after they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Stafford, who have gone 6th. Exeter are now 5th after they won 3-1 at second-bottom Cambridge, a result that led to the other Us sacking manager Rob Newman. Paul Wanless's Forest Green Rovers are third from bottom after going down 3-2 at home to Woking, who have gone 10th.

[MiddxSaint]

This is United.com

 

What a Day for Matt!

Oxford Utd 2 - 1 St Albans City

Friday September 1st

 

SUBSTITUES Yemi Odubade and Matt Day maintained Oxford United's 100 per cent home record in front of the biggest crowd in the Nationwide Conference this season.

More than 6,000 saw Jim Smith's men earn an exciting 2-1 victory the hard way against St Albans City after midfielder Chris Hargreaves was sent off midway through the second half for violent conduct.

Last year's U's skipper was adjudged to have made an over-the-top tackle on St Albans' Tom Davis in the middle of the pitch, and Essex referee Nick Kinserley brandished the red card.

But just two minutes later, United got the breakthrough they deserved when Rob Duffy headed Chris Willmott's long ball down forwards and Odubade was on it in a flash, sticking out his leg to guide a shot precisely past goalkeeper Paul Bastock.

That was high-flying Oxford's 23rd effort on target as they pummeled the Saints' goal.

But out of nowhere, Colin Lippiatt's part-timers snatched an equaliser in the 83rd minute. Centre back Dave Theobald met Adam Wilde's corner sweetly, and his firm header flew into the net.

Yet Oxford, who have shown their resilience several times already this season, hit back to regain the lead just 30 seconds later.

Fullback Day wriggled through a challenge on the left edge of the area and hammered an unstoppable drive past Bastock and into the roof of the net.

It was a hard-earned win for the U's with former Boston keeper Bastock defying them time and time again with a succession of top-class saves.

Odubade really should have scored moments before Hargreaves's dismissal when Duffy slipped a pass to him. He raced forward with just Bastock to beat, and his shot was on target, but Bastock stuck out a leg to turn it for a corner.

Marvin Robinson's debut for Oxford United turned into disappointment as he had to go off after just 21 minutes.

The striker, signed on transfer deadline day from Macclesfield Town, was thrown straight into the U's attack alongside Rob Duffy, with Steve Basham still sidelined by his back injury.

Oxford really should have been out of sight before half-time as they dominated possession and put the Saints defence under massive pressure.

Duffy had an effort well saved by Paul Bastock in the opening 30 seconds, when Andy Burgess put him through with a defence-splitting pass.

Duffy also went close with a downward header from Chris Hargreaves' fine left-wing cross, and the busy striker felt rightly aggrieved moments later when he didn't get a free-kick after being barged to the ground by Damian Batt. Referee Nick Kinseley was close by but simply waved play on.

It was becoming one-way traffic as United came forward in wave after wave of attacks.

But when they did get the ball into the back of the net, in the 13th minute, it was disallowed.

Carl Pettefer's deflected 25-yard shot was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by Bastock, and although Duffy beat Robinson in a race to the loose ball and tucked it away, a linesman had already flagged him offside.

Robinson directed a glancing header just wide from Burgess's left-wing cross.

But a couple of minutes later he appeared to have his hand stepped on by a St Albans defender as he fell to the ground, winning a free-kick just outside the box, and he left the field with a suspected dislocated finger.

Colin Lippiatt's side were enjoying the wide open spaces of the ground, and the excellent playing surface. They almost took a shock lead against the run of play on 25 minutes when they outnumbered Oxford on a swift counter-attack.

The ball was spread quickly to the right edge of the area where Matt Hann was arriving, but U's skipper Phil Gilchrist got in just the right position to deflect Hann's shot for a corner.

Jim Smith's men suffered a further injury blow when left wingback Gavin Johnson hobbled off after pulling a hamstring.

With two of their starting players missing, United were understandably struggling to get their normal rhythm and Hann foiund the space to fire in a left-footed shot from 25 yards which flew high over the bar.

Paul Hakim also caused problems for the home defence by dribbling to the bye-line and crossing dangerously, with Gilchrist having to clear from just in front of his line.

Odubade was harshly booked for a block tackle on Damian Batt, and the referee continued to make some baffling decisions.

There seemed to be a clear passback from defender Lee Flynn to Bastock, but the ref, only a few yards away, declined to give a free-kick.

The excellent Eddie Anaclet several times set up Oxford attacks with his trickery on the right, and after one fine run, his cross-shot whictled past the far post.

The first half ended with Odubade firing in a superb shot on the tunr after further good play from Anaclet.

It had been an eventful, if goalless first half.

And then the second half exploded with action and drama, and ten-man Oxford's two goals took them back to the top of the Conference.

They almost got a third goal just before the finish, when their third substitute, Eddie Hutchinson, struck the top of the bar from 25 yards.

[MiddxSaint]

Mincheryfarmweb

 

Matt Puts Gloss Finish On St Albans Win

 

Sat 02 September by MFW

 

Matt Day was the unlikely match winner as United won 2-1 against St Albans City at the United Stadium last night.

 

 

Andy Burgess Strikes A Free-Kick

 

Marvin Johnson came in for his first start in place of Steve Basham, otherwise Jim Smith kept the same side that started against Weymouth.

 

A large number of U's fans were still queuing outside as the match kicked off. Everyone, the club included was somewhat amazed by the 6000+ attendance (generally 1000 more than most predictions). This was the largest crowd to have watched a St Albans league game since 1949!

 

With the ticket office queues still long, United started as they meant to go on with a first minute Rob Duffy chance. It was the first of 23 shots (11 on target) in a game that United dominated. U's were mainly kept at bay by St Albans' 'keeper Paul Bastock.

 

United had the ball in the net on 12 minutes; Rob Duffy finishing after a Carl Pettefer shot; but it was ruled out for offside.

 

Jim Smith's game plan was then rocked by two injuries in 8 minutes. Firstly debutant Marvin Robinson landed awkwardly after being pulled to the ground by a Saints defender., dislocating his finger. Then Gavin Johnson pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury. The subs were Yemi and Matt Day respectively.

 

Fast forwarding a bit to the 68th minute. Referee Kinseley, possibly the worst official I've seen yet, decided to even things up a bit by sending off Chris Hargreaves. Hargreaves went in to a strong 50-50 challenge with Davis, catching the Saints man. The ref deemed this violent conduct and produced a red card.

This could would have knocked the spirit of some recent United teams, but not this one. A minute later, with the St Albans fans still celebrating the red card like a goal, and the U's fans were celebrating a goal.

Chris Willmott played the ball up the field, Rob Duffy flicked it on, and Yemi broke clear to finish past Bastock.

 

After going a goal down, St Albans came more into the game with the extra man. The game ebbed and flowed, and in the 84th minute the Saints grabbed an equaliser. Dave Theobald got free at a corner a rose to head past Turley. Now the St Albans fans were truly celebrating a goal. Again though United were swift to silence them.

Within a minute of being pegged back United were back in front. Matt Day picked the ball up not too far inside his own half, he powered forward, skipped past a couple of challenges, and found himself on the edge of the area. He then forgot his centre-back roots at smashed a fabulous shot in to the top right corner. A great winner that truly took the wind out of the St Albans sails.

 

So, 2-1 to Oxford it finished, and United are back on top of the Conference with 16 points from 6 games. After the rest of the weekends games, United are now 2 points clear of York after their 0-0 with Stafford. Grays and Weymouth drop down after losing 0-1 to Burton and 0-2 to Morecambe respectively.

[MiddxSaint]

Northwich Victoria 0 St Albans City 3 Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust website

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St Albans City v Woking

 

Woking News & Mail

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Northwich Victoria Official Site

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Northwich Victoria icCheshire

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Burton Albion

 

Burton Albion FC Official Website Match Report

 

Burton Albion FC Official Website News

 

Clough The Magic Dragon - Match Report

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Exeter City away Exeter City Official Website

 

So City enjoy an autumnal romp on a balmy evening at the Park and eventually run out 4-2 winners over St. Albans in front of a hardcore 2494 fans. City lined up: Rice; Billy Jones, Edwards, Richardson, Woodards; Moxey, Gill, Cozic, Taylor; Mackie, Phillips.

Wary of recent capitulations against Oxford and Gravesend, safety first was the watch word during the early exchanges as City nervously struggled to find any rhythm. It took a full ten minutes to register any kind of goal threat; a deep Taylor corner on the left glanced wide by the bandaged head of Phillips from the edge of the six yard box. A further ten minutes of jitters elapsed before the next chance presented itself; this time Mackie broke down the left and passed inside to Gill stationed 20 yards out. Inexplicably instead of shooting - the opening of the defence for the chance was of Red Sea proportions - Gill tried to play a heavily outnumbered Mackie back in but by this time the defence had closed ranks and the chance was lost.

With the half hour fast approaching, Taylor had another corner on the left that was hit centrally for Edwards to butt over, then shortly after a Moxey free kick was squared to Gill 25 yards out, but he hit across the ball and it drifted harmlessly wide. Up until now Cozic had been fairly quiet - strong in the tackle and generally sure in the pass, his ventures upfield had largely fizzled out, but on 40 minutes Phillips fed him the ball and his blustering run culminated in a powerful shot from the edge of the box that was well saved. Two minutes later Phillips was again provider steering a cross out to the right to Taylor in acres of space where he galloped virtually half the length of the field before shooting at the keeper from the edge of the box in a similar fashion to Cozic's chance earlier.

But then, in the 44th minute, a move worthy of a season ticket all by itself. Remember that Cambiasso goal for Argentina in the World Cup? Well it was nothing on Cozic's stunning effort. The ball started out by the corner flag deep in City's half on the left. With Edwards under the close attention of an attacker, he passes to Gill. In turn Gill is pressured so lays back to Edwards. Edwards returns the ball to Gill once more who, facing Rice on the edge of his own box, hits the ball square to Woodards on the right in space.<BR>Woodards dances forwards then rolls the ball central to Cozic just inside the centre circle, still in his own half. He turns and stabs the ball forwards to Phillips who in a single movement sprays it out wide to Taylor on the touchline near to the players' tunnel. Cozic continues his run towards goal and receives the perfect ball without breaking stride on the edge of the D from Taylor and with the keeper rushing out slots it under his body into the bottom right hand corner from 18 yards out to put City 1-0 up.

Some may say he scuffed his shot, and in my delirium I may have got one or two of the passes wrong, but such was the exquisite accuracy and assuredness of the passing in the whole move from start to finish that I'll give Bertie the benefit of the doubt and award him goal of the season right now.</P>

<P>Half time soon came and went, and the second half was underway with City starting slightly the stronger. After five minutes the combined efforts of Mackie and Gill robbed a dallying defender and Mackie's surging run saw the ball fed wide to Phillips on the right. Phillips charged forwards and planted a cross into the middle where Mackie rose to nod home but the keeper was alert and plucked the ball from Mackie's shaven bonce.

Rice was almost immediately called into action for the first bit of non-regulation stuff, showing sharp reactions to beat away a powerful shot from the right edge of the penalty area. It should have acted as a warning to the fragility of City's lead, and ten minutes into half the ground fell silent as Dwayne Jackman charged down Edwards' attempted clearance and despite Rice's pounce on the ball to take all the sting out of the shot, it had enough to take forever to agonisingly roll into the net for an equaliser.

City were rocked for a bit, but Cozic remained strong and soon was once again driving purposefully towards goal. With his path blocked he laid the ball off to the charging Phillips on the left but unfortunately his cut back inside gave the defender the opportunity to smother his shot at source. A minute later Moxey had the ball on the left hand side of the penalty area and passed into Phillips centrally located with his back to goal. With nothing in the offing he rolled the ball to Taylor lurking on the right who under intense defensive pressure couldn't prevent himself from lifting the ball over both keeper and crossbar.

With half of the half elapsed, City were getting stronger and pressing forwards more and more, and this time Woodards out wide passed in to Phillips patrolling the eighteen yard line. He in turn slid the ball back to Gill 20 yards to the left who hit a first time daisy cutter past the keeper's despairing lunge into the bottom left corner to put City back in the lead. Keen to get in on the act, Woodards then squared for Billy Jones rushing from deep, and his powerful low drive sailed inches past the far post.

With ten minutes left the game was made safe. A deep, deep ball was flung in high from the left and Phillips did magnificently to out-barge his defender and chest the ball down. He cut past another defender and with only the keeper left gleefully smashed the ball high into the roof of the net for a wonderful goal and a 3-1 lead. Things were looking good and Tisdale was loathe to disrupt a dominant City, but unfortunately my man of the match Bertie Cozic had to make way for Paul Buckle after feeling a hamstring twinge.

Mere seconds after the enforced substitution the livewire Mackie found himself bursting forward trailing defenders in his wake. A last gasp lunge two yards inside the penalty area was enough to send him crashing to the turf, and up stepped Billy Jones to confidently plant the ball low and hard just to the right of centre for a 4-1 lead.

With the three minutes of stoppage time now almost up, St. Albans grabbed a late, late consolation. The defence was at sixes and sevens as the ball somehow found itself from one side of the box to the other where Lee Clarke was lurking unmarked at Rice's left hand post. There was little else he could do other than lash home from less than two yards out to make it 4-2, and that was pretty much it.

So a good win and much needed confidence booster. City had suffered of late: losing by the odd goal despite an excellent performance at runaway leaders Oxford, then suffering the heartbreak of surrendering a two goal half time lead at Gravesend, so this was a timely fillip. St. Albans looked a half decent side it has to be said, and knocked the ball about confidently and assuredly. As with City so many times though, they did all of their good stuff in the area between the halfway line and penalty area, and seemed to lack the guile and cutting edge to progress further. City on the other hand suffered nervously and took a long while to properly get into their stride.

The fans were nervous too - keen to get the side going, but also desperate to try and stifle the groans at misplaced passes. But their patience was eventually rewarded with, for me, one of the best goals seen at the Park in many a year. The passing was crisp and sublime, the running off the ball clever and well timed. Bertie's run to the box is something we're fast getting used to and his finish was just rewards for his industry since becoming a regular starter.

In defence there's little to say really. Rice had not much to do for most of the match - one decent save, one under his body for their first goal that maybe he could have dropped down quicker on and left hopelessly floundering for their second. The two full backs played a full part in the game with both willing to get forward as often as possible to support the midfield. In the centre Richardson was an able deputy for Todd, who failed to shrug off a hip injury.

In midfield Bertie was immense, and ably assisted by Gill, who also notched his first of the season too, along with Billy Jones who took his penalty well. Gill's passing became more confident as the game wore on, and his tackling was more assured than of late too. On the flanks Taylor and Moxey did well to hold their positions out wide, thus stretching the St. Albans midfield and thus leaving big holes to pass the ball through.

Up front Mackie and Phillips busied themselves all evening. Mackie was a constant nuisance and to him there's no such thing as a lost cause. He does need to find something of a killer touch in front of goal though, and you always got the impression that out of the two it would be the all action banzai style of Phillips that would get the rewards. As it was Phillips was indeed rewarded with a goal entirely of his own making, showing great strength and no little skill to blast home with some aplomb.

The only real negatives were the soft goals we let in, although the first was somewhat fortuitous and the second 94 minutes in with the game well won by then, and the injury to Cozic. Hopefully it was spotted in time and he'll be back for Saturday when we face pre-season favourites Stevenage, whose ten games so far have yielded a massive 38 goals! Can you really afford to miss another potential goalfest? Of course you can't, and if we're going to make progress up the league then we need each and every one of you to play your part by turning up in the vast numbers that you so regularly do and giving the lads all the encouragement you can muster. But you don't need telling - you know you'll be there, don't you?

 

 

Match Figures:

 

Total Gross Take

£16,103.00

VAT

£2,398.32

Net

£13,704.68

Approx Expenses

£1,500

 

Attendance

Flybe Stand

846

Stagecoach Family Stand

507

Big Bank

1089

Away End

52

Total

2494

 

(The away support was more than 52 if some supporters sat in the stand).