BLUES 5 - 0 ENDON UTD

1/10/00

Despite the rain of the last week, the Westwood Road pitch was perfect for football, and in contrast to last Sunday, was played in fine weather. Blues faced local rivals, Endon, who have been struggling to find their form this season, and although they did not play well, they were nevertheless easy winners.

Usually Blues start very slowly and then improve, but today it was the other way round, as they started off in lively fashion and then went off the boil.

Blues went ahead, as early as the fourth minute, when several players combined well, and a hapless Endon defender, under pressure from Tom Bourne, could only turn the ball into his own net. Either side of the goal, Gareth Allott had two shots which both went just wide of the post.

Three minutes after the goal, Tom Bourne made a vital interception in his penalty area, to deny Endon what was probably a certain goal, and it stopped them getting back into the match.

The second goal was an excellent solo effort from Sam Hall. Picking the ball up ten metres inside his own half, he beat the offside trap and ran on to comfortably pick his spot.

Mitch Shenton found Danny Gruic in space and he drilled in number three, and just before the break, a Sam Hall pass found Gareth Allott, and he lobbed the advancing 'keeper for number four.

H/T: - Blues 4-0 Endon

In the second half, Blues' play degenerated, as they struggled to put two passes together. All too often they resorted to playing the long ball to the two front runners, which were easily dealt with by the Endon defence.

This was probably the worst period of play I have witnessed from Junior Blues, but fortunately, the mediocrity was interrupted by one superb piece of skill. Sam Hall received the ball about 20 metres out, and he stroked it into the corner of the net.

This apart, the halftime coffee and the final whistle were the only other highlights.

This was a poor game, and against a struggling Endon side, and Blues should have done better. A vast improvement is needed if they are to retain their title. As for Endon, despite their bad start to the season, they showed plenty of commitment and results will surely soon start to go their way.

We are indebted to CROFT COURT GARAGE and THE BRITANNIA BUILDING SOCIETY who sponsored the match.