Over night snow and frost put this cup tie in jeopardy, right up
to kick off time, and as it was, the match started with the lines barely
visible, where the snow had been swept off. Fortunately though, the
snow reduced the impact of the frost, and the pitch was fairly soft
underneath.
It was an uneventful first half, spoiled by the snow which hampered
passing and running with the ball. Generally, it was a midfield battle,
with each side guilty of squandering possession.
Milton's best two efforts of the half hardly troubled Jim Brunt
in the Leek goal, as one went into the
side netting and the other was hit straight at him. At the other end,
excellent interchanges involving James Brough and the influential Sam
Hall, gave Jamie Robinson a chance. His shot was destined for the corner
of the net, but Ashlea Sherrat pulled off a super diving save.
Gareth Allott's first time shot went narrowly past the angle of
post and bar, but apart from that, there was little action to report
on, until the last minute of the half, when Jamie Robinson's well struck
shot hit the inside of the post, and fell to safety.
H/T: - Milton 0-0 Blues
By the restart much of the snow had disappeared, and it obviously
assisted Blues' game, for they completely
dominated the second half, with some excellent football.
The half had only been under the way for three minutes when Blues
scored their first. Matt Bayley's cross from the left was headed on
by Jamie Robinson to Sam Hall and
he was left with time and space to casually side foot the ball home.
Soon after, James Brough's free kick on the corner of the penalty
area gave Jamie Robinson a chance, but his header flashed wide.
But five minutes later, Blues were
awarded an undisputed penalty when Sam Hall was brought down in the
box. Matt Bayley made no mistake
from the spot, and the two goal lead gave Blues
breathing space.
However, they didn't rest on their laurels, and pressed forward
in search of more goals. Sam Hall had the ball in the back of the net,
only to see his effort disallowed for an adjudged offside.
Again, Milton had a chance to get back into the game, but just as
in the first half, one effort went straight at Jim Brunt, and the other
was headed wide, from a free kick.
Milton were then very lucky to escape conceding a second penalty,as
Danny Gruic was crudely brought down from behind in the area. However,
with the line for the penalty area virtually washed off, the referee
gave Milton the benefit of the doubt, and awarded Blues
a free kick on the edge of the box. Justice was not done, as the resulting
free kick was blocked.
Both Gareth Allott and Danny Gruic went close before the win was
sealed with the third goal. With time running out, Oliver
Edwards' fine run was rewarded with a goal, his shot passing
over the line despite the despairing efforts of a defender.
Just before the final whistle, Milton fired a shot wide of the far
post. Had it gone in, it would have been mere consolation. As it was,
the 3-0 scoreline did not reflect Blues'
dominance of the match.
This was a superb effort by Blues to
beat their main rivals so convincingly. Their second half performance,
particularly, was excellent. Even manager, Mark Shenton, was happy -
well nearly!
Once again, our grateful thanks to our sponsors
PROTECH ELECTRICALS and THE BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY.