Abbey Lane 0 Middlewood Rovers 6

[chris@tmseurope.co.u]

1st March 2009
Abbey Lane 0 Middlewood Rovers 6

Once again the team had to cope with just 11 players for this important clash with top of the league side Middlewood Rovers. Ash Milnes and Chris Davis Smith with long term injuries, Cole Priestley and Ashden Morely were at Bramall Lane. The versatile Liam Pashley was asked to play up front with Oliver Ledger and Ben Pond reverted to right side midfield.
The pitch was dry but in no condition to compliment a passing game, there was little evidence that the pitch had been rolled since the last home game. Abbey Lane were hoping to avenge their 4-0 defeat in January, but it would take an excellent performance to combat the visitors pace and quality.

The game commenced and Abbey Lane competed well during the opening exchangers creating little in terms of clear cut chances but managing to keep the Middlewood forwards at bay. Half way through the first half Middlewood began to get some momentum to their play and took control. It was therefore no surprise when they took the lead with a ball over the top of the Abbey Lane back four and the forward out running the defence to place a shot passed Chris Marshall. As Abbey Lane fought to get back into the game, Middlewood scored a second goal with a volley from the edge of the area. A third followed as the Middlewood forward rounded Chris Marshall and scored from an acute angle.

The first half ended 3-0 to Middlewood, Abbey Lane were restricted to one shot on goal by Oliver Ledger. The lads had competed well but were struggling to create any meaningful opportunities.

The second half started more purposeful for Abbey Lane and the first minutes had Middlewood on the back foot, but no meaningful opportunity had been created. However, Abbey Lane had stepped up a gear and Middlewood had something to think about. The visitors were able to see out the resurgent Abbey Lane and then began to take back control. Inevitably a fourth goal saw off any chance Abbey Lane had of getting back into game. A further blow occurred when Sean Froggatt had to come off the pitch with a back injury. Abbey lane had to play out the remainder of the game with 10 men and goals 5 and 6 soon followed to give Middlewood a commanding and well deserved 6-0 victory. Abbey Lane were once again restricted to one clear chance in the second half, a low shot from Liam Pashley. This was a spirited performance by Abbey Lane who never gave up but they were well beaten by a better side who were full of confidence and at times played some excellent football in difficult playing conditions.

Abbey lane have to pull themselves back from this defeat with 9 games still remaining, but creating chances and scoring goals is the only way to win games and the early season form must be rekindled if Abbey lane are to pull themselves away from the bottom two.