BLUES 3-1 TRUBSHAW VICS

11/2/01

Junior Blues welcomed back three Ex- Blues for this top of the table clash with Trubshaw Vics. Once again, it rained throughout the game, but the Westwood pitch stood up well. Blues went into this game with a fine unbeaten run, which they maintained fairly comfortably, and it now stands at an impressive 45 games.

Both keepers were prominent in the opening exchanges, as they were called into action on several occasions. Old boy, Philip Tomczak made some good saves and interceptions to deny Blues, and at the other end, Jim Brunt had one of his busiest games of the season, as he had to collect many through balls aimed at the Trubshaw forwards.

Most of the play, though was in the Trubshaw half, and after several close efforts, Blues took a deserved lead in the 22nd minute. Matt Anderson unselfishly released Jamie Robinson who side footed the ball into the corner of the net.

Despite several other near misses by Blues, there was no further scoring in the first half.

H/T: - Blues 1-0 Trubshaw.

Blues started the second half very brightly, and nearly scored within the first minute of the restart, but once again, the shot went just wide. However, just a minute later, they doubled their lead, when Jamie Robinson scored his second with a splendid shot, which eluded the despairing dive of Philip Tomczak.

With the benefit of a two-goal advantage, Blues now controlled the game, causing Trubshaw many problems with the constant probing passes from Matt Anderson and James Brough. Their excellent midfield play was rewarded with a third goal, scored by Matt Anderson, who pounced on a loose ball to net from close range.

Although this effectively put the game beyond Trubshaw, they never gave up, and they hit the Blues defence on the break at every opportunity. On one such occasion, Blues had to clear the ball off their own goal line, but generally the defence held solid.

With just two minutes left on the watch, Blues were pushing up in search of a fourth goal, when they were caught on the break. This time, their defence was breached, as James Watkins scored with a well-taken strike, but with time running out, it was just a consolation goal.

Blues fully deserved the points in this game, not only because of their dominance, but also for their brilliant approach play, which at times was as good as you could possibly expect at this level. It was an excellent game, and a credit to both sides.

The match was sponsored by CROFT COURT GARAGE, and the ball by ARTHUR BOURNE PLUMBING & BUILDING SERVICES.