BLUES 4-0 ALTON & WATERHOUSES

5/11/00

Junior Blues took advantage of their rivals not playing to extend their lead at the top of the table. This was a game which supporters of both sides probably expected Blues to win easily, but in actual fact, a spirited A&W side gave them a run for their money, and one or two scares.

Due to various reasons, Blues had to play the match with only ten men, and although they didn't perform at their best, particularly in the first half, much credit must go to all ten of them.

Blues did most of the pressing and probing in the first period, and although they created a few openings, their efforts at goal were all comfortably dealt with. The long, wet grass didn't help matters, and a midfield stalemate ensued, and a goal-less draw looked on the cards.

Alton, though, had the best chance of the half, when with just the 'keeper to beat, the ball was fired narrowly wide, giving Blues an unexpected reprieve.

H/T: - Blues 0-0 Alton & Waterhouses

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Blues improved their play in the second half, following the half time talk. However, the ball still wouldn't go in, and when Jamie Robinson's shot rattled the bar, you could not have blamed them if their heads dropped.

But they kept on trying, and three minutes later, Blues did manage to open their account. Chris Leigh, playing out of position at centre half, won the ball and beat three men before finding Gareth Allott whose quick pass to Jamie Robinson found him with time and space, and he finished superbly.

Blues relaxed after this, and things started to run for them at last. From a corner, Mitch Shenton's header was well saved, but he followed up the loose ball to hammer home number two. This gave Blues some breathing space, which was made better two minutes later, when a long range effort by James Brough, fortuitously found the back of the net.

Yet Blues didn't have it all their on way, and at the other end Alton missed a golden opportunity to get back into the game, but incredibly with the goal gaping, Jacob Laurie, who has an excellent scoring record against Blues, screwed agonisingly wide.

Just before the end a very optimistic effort from Matt Bayley made it four, when the keeper, who was still feeling the effects of an injury, let the wet ball slip through his grasp. This was an unfortunate end to what had otherwise been a good game for him.

This was hardly vintage Blues, and had Alton converted their chances, it could have been an embarrassing scoreline for them. However, their second half performance justified them getting the points, even if the final scoreline did flatter them.

Our grateful thanks, once again, go to CROFT COURT GARAGE and BROUGH PARK LEISURE CENTRE for sponsoring the match and the ball.