BLUES 2-0 MAYBANK ROVERS

18/2/01

Despite a keen overnight frost, Junior Blues had no trouble in completing this fixture. Swathed in sunshine, the Westwood pitch soon softened, while much of the surrounding area was hit by a very thick fog.

Blues were up against a very determined Maybank side, out to reverse the score of the previous encounter, between these two sides. Although Blues ran out worthy winners in the end, they were made to fight for the points in a match that could have gone either way.

The home side started brightly, and an excellent move down the right resulted in a good save by Adam Poyser in the Maybank goal. He was unable to hold on to the ball, but unfortunately for Blues, Danny Gruic's follow-up shot came back off the upright.

This seemed to set the tone for the first half, as Blues fine approach play was not taken advantage of, as far too many chances were spurned, with several players guilty of poor finishing. Combined with this, they were up against a keeper in brilliant form, and one save in particular was worth the admission fee alone. Jamie Robinson met the ball on the half volley and his shot had "goal " written all over it. However, Adam Poyser had other ideas and he tipped the ball over the bar for a corner.

On the stroke of half time they could so easily have paid for their extravagance in front of goal, when a Jamie Anderson cross deceived Jim Brunt, and rattled Blues' crossbar. For all their pressure and creative play, Blues could well have gone in at the break a goal down.

H/T: - Blues 0-0 Maybank

The second half carried on where the first left off, with Blues again creating some good chances, but they were still thwarted by a goalkeeper in fine form, as he kept out efforts from several Blues' players. Meanwhile at the other end, Jim Brunt had to be alert to foil a Maybank forward, with a smart save.

It didn't look as if it was going to be Blues' day, when with three quarters of the match gone, it was still stalemate. But then at last fortune shone on Leek Town. Yet again Adam Poyser saved well, but this time the ball fell to Jamie Robinson, who made no mistake.

This should have boosted Blues, but instead it was the other way round, and for the first time in the match, they found themselves under intense pressure. During this spell, Aaron Cresswell found himself unmarked at the back, but fortunately for Blues his shot hit the post.

With time running out, this miss was a killer blow to Maybank and relieved at their let off, Blues got to grips with the game once again, and with just four minutes left, they scored a second. A corner from the right eluded everybody except Jamie Robinson at the far post, and he tucked it away.

This was an excellent advert for Junior football, and one of the best games that Blues have been involved in. Although Blues were the better side they were made to work for the points. Had fortune deserted them, they could so easily have been beaten. As it was, this was a perfect preparation for next week's away cup match against Milton.

CROFT COURT GARAGE sponsored the match, and PHIL RILEY of DECORITE sponsored the ball.