Chesterton Legacy FC

Match Report
Date: 23rd January 11

Line up:
Simon D, Shane R, Oli B, Andy B, Paul E, Jon L (Prince M), Danny S, Scott J, Carlos G, Eddie N, Marv B (Marc T).
Subs: Marc T, Prince M.

Legacy finally returned to action after not playing for over a month. After the long enforced break Legacy returned with almost a full squad to choose from, there were late absentees in the shape of Ricky Timms (AWOL), Sam Asplen (injury) and Stuart Fordham (illness). The first line up of 2011 sprung a couple of surprises, Simon Daniel who has deputised in goal replaced absent Ricky Timms between the sticks, Jon Lilley was given the chance to re-live some of his younger days with a start on the right of midfield and Scott Jakes moved forward into the middle of midfield.

Village Cars started the game showing their intent and keeping Legacy in their half for long periods, while they were in charge of most of the posession Legacy managed to soak up the pressure and were threatening on occasions with some good counter attacks. Most of the play was going through the Village Cars wide men where full backs and Shane Rackham and Paul Evans kept their markers relatively quiet.

Eddie Newman was unlucky on one of the Legacy counter attacks, some neat football between him, Marvin Beckett and Carlos Griffin saw Eddie through on goal. A calm effort that saw him dink the ball over the advancing Village Cars keeper bounced and fell just wide of the right post. The breakthrough came after a ball from defence found Carlos Griffin on the left, in his usual unselfish manner he laid the ball to striker Marvin Beckett who was around 25 yards from goal. Some good footwork and a cleanly hit strike looped over the top of the keepers gloves and dropped into the net. 1-0 Legacy!

Legacy continued to soak up pressure and the centre backs Oli Brittain and Andy Burns were marshalling things at the back, sweeping up any through balls and putting in a number of crucial tackles. Legacy saw out the half to take it to half time still 1-0, Simon Daniel and the defence were definitely to thank at this point for the score still being in the favour of Legacy.

A prolonged half time break ensued due to the referee needing enough time to finish a cup of tea, the second half started much the same as the first with Legacy on the back foot. As with many Legacy performances, they would need to battle through to the end and shut out Village Cars to take all 3 points home with them from Over.

Controversy ensued when Simon Daniel was sent off for handling the ball outside the area with around 10minutes to go, he rush to punch a through ball and the referee judged it to be outside the area. Paul Evans took his place in goal and the resulting free kick was put over the bar.

For the last 10 minutes Village Cars threw everything into the Legacy area, with the defence and stand in goalkeeper standing up to everything thrown at them. Unfortunately being a man down meant there wasn't a true outlet and substitute Marc Thain was left to chase down any clearances on his on when the ball made it into the Village Cars half.

It seemed as though Legacy would see this game out as Village Cars saw all of their crosses and long range efforts either go wide or thwarted by one of the defence. Unfortunately Legacy weren't able to keep soaking up the constant pressure and almost the last touch on the ball of the game decided the result. With most of the Village Cars team in the Legacy box, a ball was launched into the box and despite some valiant defending by Legacy a Village Cars head got the last touch and saw the ball drop into the net. Elation for Village Cars who probably had earned their draw, but disappointing for Legacy who had fought so hard to try and take 3 points back with them.

Legacy can be proud of their battling and some of the football played despite heavy legs, there wasn't a bad performance throughout the side and everyone gave 100%. A re-arranged game against Ellesmere awaits Legacy next week, who hopefully will take the positives from this performance and put them into taking 3 points.

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