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fjortoftforever
ENG
260 Posts |
 Posted - 31 Dec 2007 : 07:12:26
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Town finally secured a valuable point in a game that they almost threw away following an impressive fightback from a young and inexperienced Bournemouth side. Once again, Barry Corr came up with the goods and secured the point in front of a large travelling support.
Town were forced to make several changes, predominantly to the back line, with Blackburn drafted in at right back, Nicholas at left back, Vincent moving to the centre in lieu of Aljofree, and Zaaboub starting wide left midfield. The back line was to play well all afternoon, but improved significantly in the 2nd half as Bournemouth put Town under pressure; Nicholas, who has a playing style (I think!) that makes him almost always looks uncomfortable, had a stormer in my opinion. He has gained some undue criticism elsewhere; he put himself on the line and made some excellent blocks when the goal was begging. Vincent was extremely steady, Ifil back to his very best and Blackburn showed good ability getting forward and is improving every game.
In front of a full away end (well, side actually), Town started brightly against an AFC team containing only 2 of their pre-season 1-11. A promising start resulted in Corr capping a lovely move with a crisp finish from 12 yards or so, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. To be fair, the linesman`s flag went up early and he was off by at least a yard. Nonetheless, a promising start that encouraged the travelling support.
Bournemouth, whilst having the fair share of possession, were struggling to get into the game. Dangerous out wide, they struggled through the middle, despite the presence of the once highly-rated Danny Hollands. Easton and Peacock were both battling well, winning everything in the air, and it seemed only a matter of time before Town would take the game by the scruff of the neck.
JP was being well supported by Blackburn - who was far more ambitious getting down the right than can be his natural game - and consequently a chance opened up for young Cox. Following a strong run, CB delivered a cracking ball that Cox headed straight at the keeper. Subsequently, the game seemed to fizzle out a little with both sides struggling to grasp the initiative; should we have been at home we`d have really got amongst them, but we became increasingly cagey and content not to give anything away. This ethos almost cost us dear just before 1/2 time when a through ball from Danny Hollands was met by the on-rushing Christophe; thankfully, the ever-impressive Brezovan was at his best to close the angle and win the 1-on-1 confidently.
There was a sense that Bournemouth`s recently improved home form may encourage them in the 2nd half and that was to be the case, but it was Town who started the half the stronger side. JP, who was a little disappointing throughout, did see an effort go narrowly wide in the opening minutes and it was just moments later that Town snatched the lead. Corr picked the ball up in front of the away support, 25 yards from goal and with AFC backing off. With little on, and the path to goal opening up, he cut inside and curled the ball into the top left corner of the net; from where we were sat you could see it was going in and the celebrations started early. Corr, quite rightly, turned to the away fans with his arms aloft before rushing over to Byrne and Williams on the far side. Tip-top.
The goal prompted AFC to switch things around with former Town man Jo Osei Kuffour coming on. Kuffour has always done well against us and his introduction resulted in AFC getting the ball down and playing some decent football; their link up play improved significantly and their movement troubled us. Nevertheless, both Vincent and Nicholas particularly stepped up to the plate and put their bodies in the way of everything; some rubbish finishing also helped.
Still, the Cherries got the breakthrough on the hour that their play (begrudgingly) deserved and it was Kuffour who levelled. |
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veteran supporter
ENG
57 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2007 : 09:12:07
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Great result against AFC Bournemouth and Yeovil Town I agree hope we can now move forward in 2008 lets hope for wins against Swansea City and Barnet and a good home cup draw.
Thank you Andrew Fitton for giving us all new hope Happy New Year to everybody special good wishes to Dave Alan and Sue who I sit with in the Arkells Stand great supporters just abou to move into my 58 years following STFC Come on you Reds. |
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TonyJanson
ENG
24 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2007 : 09:12:57
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| Having read all the postings re STFC this morning I feel good ! After so much uncertainty and frustration I really look forward to the STFC future .Bring on 2008 and HAPPY NEW YEAR to all |
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fjortoftforever
ENG
260 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2007 : 11:12:18
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I did mean to mention this in my earlier post.
Fair cop to Budgie and Williams who are making a real go of it and are clearly enjoying themselves. A result against Swansea might just provide them enough evidence to cause a real headache for Mr Fitton; happy days.
I for one (and I know that I won`t be the only one) really appreciated Byrne`s acknowledgement of the fans at the final whistle. He ensured that the players came across to applaud - it still stuns me that some have to be told - and then put his thumbs up to each section of the away fans and appluaded them in acknowledgement of what was (in the majority) terrific away support. Mr Byrne, you are a gentleman sir.
Happy New Year to you all. Isn`t it terrific to be able to look forward to 2008 with renewed footballing optimism. See you at the CG on Tuesday perhaps. Don`t forget 1pm kick off.
FF predicts 2-1 to the Town!
As an aside, the Western Daily Press (hard copy not soft) are reporting that we are competing with others to sign Cox for 100K. Boy, what a snip. He knows he will get 1st team football, knows the club and perhaps wouldn`t need to move or find accommodation. Could we be front runners?
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AFC Bournemouth 2 - Swindon Town 2
