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Uphill struggle at Littlebourne (February 24, 2008) Littlebourne 3 City Reserves 1
City Reserves were away at Littlebourne on Saturday and threw the game away inside the first 20 minutes. Some dreadful defending and lack of commitment allowed the home side to race into a three-goal lead without needing to get out of first gear. City, without a recognised 'keeper and missing one or two players, did manage to get into the game and keep the score down against a strong wind but were glad to hear the half-time whistle.
The second half was a different story. City dominated the whole period and laid seige to the Littlebourne goal. Sam Brown excelled in midfield, keeping up a fantastic work rate and retaining possession well, and Simon Johnson played well at the back to restore some pride to the defensive unit. The introduction of Adam Woollcott on the hour increased the attacking momentum and he quickly called the Littlebourne 'keeper into action, forcing a good save from his low shot. City finally managed to breach the home sides defence when Woollcott crossed to the far post for the hard working Matt Gilbert to volley home. This again led to an increase in tempo and Adam Woollcott was unlucky to see his powerful 25-yard shot tipped over the bar by the 'keeper. At the end of the game City could consider themselves unlucky not to have salvaged something from the game after a spirited fightback in the second half. Steve Woollcott said: "I was bitterly disappointed with the first half performance. I have been a stuanch supporter of these young players but what I saw in the first 20 minutes particularly wasn't acceptable for a club with our ambitions. A few harsh words were said at half-time and credit must go to the players for the way they responded. I was particularly pleased to see Adam come on and grab the game by the scruff of the neck to create chances and bring some much needed quality to our attacking game. He is one of a number of very good U-16s at the club who I will be looking to introduce over the coming weeks". City: McVicar; Vidler, S Johnson, G Dodd (Holbrook, 25), C Woollcott, Angles, Brown, P Johnson, Anthony (A Woollcott, 60), Williams, Gilbert. Click here to return to the News page
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