GeorgeDykeScoresGoals
|
Smarden 4 - 2 Marden (Div 1 Cup)The yearly battle for the rights the coveted 'S' saw Loppy's men retain it on behalf of the village once more leaving their opponents S-less for yet another year.
Smarden began the game well producing some good passing football which eventually led to Moon drawing first blood from a Prior through ball. Prior then opened the gap after heading a one two with the cross bar and volleying home for 2-0.
Smarden then appeared to enter an all too familiar self destruct mode, as they allowed Marden back in to 2-1. Dyke then squandered possesion in the middle and the break led to the Marden forward being brought down by Kitney in the box. The result; Penalty and a straight Red for the hapless Keeper. Manager Loppy looked around for a replacement and up step unlikely candidate Stuart 'the cat' Prior to don the gloves. His first job was to stop the penalty to which he duly obliged producing a fantastic left handed save to bring Smarden in 2-1 at the break.
10 man Smarden gritted their teeth as they looked to conserve their lead in the second half. Richard Moon, forced into a lone striking role, put in a vintage performance producing Smarden's 3rd only for Marden to peg one back shortly after.
If it wasn't for eventual man of the Match Prior, producing some superb saves, notably a 1 on 1 at 3-2, the result could have gone Mardens way, but Gibbs put the game beyond them lofting over the keeper after substitute Newman put him in with a lofted through ball.
Loppy's men march on in the cup, early season eyes set on an achievable double.
|
