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John_
ENG
1180 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Jan 2007 : 11:01:32
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In hindsight you could say yesterday`s 2-0 victory over Macclesfield was a comfortable one. However for the first half hour of the game there was very little to choose between the teams and I`d go as far as to say that I thought the visitors looked stronger, both physically and mentally.
On two occasions Macclesfield caused some nervous and anxious moments by working the ball into the box but there was no final product. Swindon on the other hand were slow in their build-up play and were continually being frustrated by strong tackling.
Roberts & Zaaboub weren`t on the same wavelength at the start although they both linked up better as the game wore on.
Around the 25-minute mark, Macclesfield very nearly won a penalty. Jack Smith was turned inside out and as the attacker cut past Timlin into the area he hit the deck in spectacular fashion. Now from my vantage point far away I wasn`t sure what the Ref was going to do. I`ve definitely seen penalties given in this instance but this time he waved play-on. There wasn`t much protest from the Silkmen either although Timlin`s waving of an imaginary yellow card at the Ref for diving wasn`t the most intelligent thing he`s ever done.
Moments later the visitors were awarded a ridiculous free-kick on the touchline near to halfway for an absolutely nothing challenge. I couldn`t help but think that this was some sort of consolation prize for not being given the penalty earlier on.
I wouldn`t say the crowd were beginning to get a bit restless but the ability of Macclesfield to soak-up anything we could muster was starting to affect one or two. A few groans & negative vibes did creep in - especially when Pook was caught in possession in a promising move, but all that changed as we neared the break.
First of all Swindon broke loose and Shakes darting down the right-wing got in a great cross that saw Peacock acrobatically let fly. My initial thoughts were that the keeper made a superb point-blank save and pushed the ball skywards. I`ve later heard & read that Lee`s effort smacked the bar and rocketed towards the heavens. Zaaboub was nearly on hand to be first to the rebound but his endeavours were foiled by a few lunging blocks and the Referee`s whistle for something.
Peacock was having a superb battle with his marker. Every ball forward to the big man was eagerly contested and on more than one occasion free-kicks were going for and against the ex-Sheff Wed man for pushing, climbing and backing-in e.t.c. Lee was giving as good as he got and was still coming away with the ball and laying it off into space.
The last 10 minutes of the half were all Swindon - The change in atmosphere was instant and Macclesfield were struggling.
A good run from Christian Roberts won a corner or two as Town started to turn it on.
Soon after Roberts was sent clear, onside, although the Silkmen hesitated because they saw another player in an offside position, alas he was judged not to be interferring.
Roberts closed in on goal from an angle and let fly with power. It was going in but the keeper Tom Lee flung himself across goal to parry it out for a corner. A glorious chance went begging. He should have scored.
On the stroke of half-time, Swindon got the breakthrough. A throw on the left was headed towards the edge of the box by Pook and Peacock, who was having a good game, rose to nod it towards the 6-yard box. Shakes, who showed good anticipation, timed his run to perfection and was on hand to lash home a half-volley into the net. Superb goal. Good build-up and a fine finish. Shakes celebrated by doing one of his dances in front of the Nationwide Stand.
There was nearly time for Shakes to score again. He beat his marker and was suddenly clear down the right flank. With the crowd roaring him on he cut inside before letting fly from 20+ yards. Lee again had to fling himself across goal and parry the ball away as Town were threatening to run riot. Roberts got to the rebound but blazed it high and wide. |
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Richard
1152 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jan 2007 : 22:01:59
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You changed your mind, then....
I had one thought on Roberts` penalty - all of the ones he`s scored lately have gone in the bottom corner to the keeper`s right... any keeper who`s been doing a bit of homework would have gone that way, so not particularly surprised when it was saved.
A good result - had a bad feeling about this one before the game... Peterborough have lost their last eight I think, we`ve won our last four - an absolute home banker! |
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Swindon Town 2-0 Macclesfield Town
