Junior Blues played
their first midweek fixture of the new season in the autumnal Burslem
gloom. Their opposition were new boys Trubshaw Vics, who fielded three
ex-Junior Blues, so a tough game was
expected. In fact, Blues won at a canter,
and it was a combination of poor play in the final third, and good
goalkeeping that restricted Blues' goal
tally.
The first half saw wave after wave of Blues'
attacks, but the deadlock was not broken until midway through the
half when Oliver Edwards finished
off a fine solo run. Thoughts of the floodgates opening were confounded
by Trubshaw 'keeper, Philip Tomczak, who had a point to make against
his old team. But despite making several good saves, he was unable
to hold on to a Gareth Allott shot and Oliver
Edwards followed up for his second goal.
H/T: - Trubshaw Vics 0 -
2 Junior Blues
The second half was virtually a repeat of the
first with Vics under constant pressure. However, Blues
were fortunate not to concede, when their crossbar was rattled, following
a Trubshaw corner.
Several chances were missed by Blues
or well saved, and it was late on in the game when they scored
their third. Danny Gruic seized
onto a loose ball in the area, and despite being fouled he managed
to stay on his feet to score, as the ref played a good advantage.
However, minutes later, there was a controversial
moment when Gareth Allott was blatantly brought down as he was about
to put the ball into an empty net. The Trubshaw "assistant referee"
rightly flagged for a penalty, but incredibly the ref waved play on.
Fortunately this incident did not have any bearing on the outcome
of the game.
All in all this was a better effort by Blues,
but they are going to have to improve their play in the final third,
if they are to have a chance of retaining their title.
The heroes in this match were the Trubshaw defence,
who resisted the Leek Town attack steadfastly.
Protech Electrical and The
Britannia Building Society sponsored Junior Blues.