BLUES 11-1 Alton & Waterhouses

15/10/00

LEAGUE CUP ROUND 1

Once again, Junior Blues totally dominated the game, but as usual they wasted a multitude of opportunities. In the first half, especially, they played some excellent football, and displayed much skill on the ball, and in the end, ran out worthy winners.

Blues took the lead in just the third minute of the game when good work by Oliver Edwards created space for himself on the edge of the box, and his shot found the corner of the net. From then on, they never looked back, as they sailed to a six-goal half time lead.

Paul Nutten and Gareth Allott linked very well down the right side throughout the half, and together, they caused Alton all sorts of problems.On seven minutes, they combined to give Oliver Edwards a chance, but his shot narrowly went past the angle of bar and post. Meanwhile two long-range efforts from James Brough were well gathered by the Alton 'keeper.

However, Alton could not contain a rampant Blues side for much longer, and when a Danny Gruic cross was unfortunately deflected into his own net by an Alton defender, Blues proceeded to take them apart.

The third goal came when the Alton 'keeper made an excellent stop, but the loose ball fell to Danny Gruic, and he made no mistake from close in. Four minutes later, Oliver Edwards virtually walked the ball into the net for number four, when he left a trail of defenders in his wake after a fine solo run.

But the fifth was the best goal of the match. Paul Nutten slipped the ball to Gareth Allott down the right wing, and his cross was volleyed home by James Brough. On the stroke of half time, Blues scored number six. Yet another cross came over from the right, and Danny Gruic, finding himself with time and space, rifled it in.

H/T: - Blues 6-0 Alton

In the second half, positional changes were made in the Blues' ranks, and the edge went from their game, a little. However, they were still too strong for Alton, and dominated the second half too.

Danny Lawler, making his home debut for Blues, scored a fine goal from the edge of the box for the seventh, and three minutes later, James Brough repeated the act, following excellent work, for number eight.

A mistake in the Blues defence let in Jacob Laurie, and his scored his usual goal against Blues, but it was just a consolation gesture, as Blues ran in three more before the final whistle.

James Brough fed the ball to Oliver Edwards and he completed his tat-trick with a superb shot. Yet again, good work down blues' right flank, but this time by Jonna Goodier and Gareth Allott, let in Oliver Edwards who scored his fourth. Blues regained possession straight from the kick off, and Danny Lawler's alert pass found Danny Gruic, who scored the number eleven, and also completed his hat trick.

This was a sound performance by Blues, and puts them in a good frame of mind for next week's away fixture against rivals Milton Rangers. Once again, we are indebted to our sponsors CROFT COURT GARAGE, and CHRIS HERMISTON CAR BODY REPAIRS.