Chesterton Legacy FC

Match Report
Date: 18th September 11

Line up:
Ricky T, Simon D, Ibi I, Jamie S, Paul E, Carlos G, Danny S, Andy B, Prince M (Marc T), Sam A (Shane R), Eddie N.
Subs: Marc T, Shane R.

Following last weeks disappointing performance against Kingsley, Legacy found themselves travelling to Pymoor to play back-to-back champions West End. There were several changes from last weeks game with Ricky "Twixing" Timms returning between the sticks, a new central midfield partnership of Andy Burns and Player/Manager Danny Smith. Sam Asplen was pushed upfront to partner Eddie Newman. Ageless Paul Evans returned at left back with Simon Daniel switching full back positions and Ibi Idoniboye moving to centre half alongside Jamie Secker. Carlos Griffin and Prince Murandu again found themselves on the wing.

This game would really be a test of character and Legacy started well but within the first 10 mins found themselves a goal down. But unlike last week their heads didnt drop and they continued to patiently pass the ball around on a good surface and fashioned a well deserved equaliser through Eddie Newman, who struck a shot in the bottom corner from inside the area. As the game went on Legacy grew with confidence with Eddie holding the ball up well and Sam at his harrasing best up front. Legacy then took the lead through a strike from Sam Asplen. Then the moment that would change the match came, a ball over the top from West End lead to Ricky Timms charging to the edge of the area and claiming the ball but the referee claimed he had handballed outside the area and Ricky was given a yellow card.

From the resulting free kick West End got themselves an equaliser from a superb free kick around the wall and into the net. Ricky then picked the ball up out of the net and booted it back towards the centre circle for Legacy to have kick off but then was bizzarely given another yellow card in what must go down as one of the strangest decisions in the history of football! You had to see it to believe it. So Legacy found themselves down to 10 men with it not even being half-time yet. Paul Evans replaced Ricky in goal with Andy Burns switching to right back and Sam dropping to a central midfield role. After some resolute defending from 10 man Legacy caved in and found themselves 3-2 down. But confidence was still high and we continued to attack and to press West End and after a defensive error Carlos found himself one-on-one with the keeper and chipped the ball into an empty net, it was the least Legacy deserved.

Half-time came and with Legacy having to play another 45 mins with 10 men it was really going to be a tough ask to get something out of this game. The second half started much like the first half with the game being end to end and both teams having chances to retake the lead before West End found themselves 4-3 up. The game continued the same path with Legacy more then holding their own against a team who had an extra man, Legacy had a couple of chances cleared off the line and were pushing hard for an equaliser. Every single Legacy player put in a good shift with Paul impressing in goal and the defence looking solid and Prince and Carlos stretching the play with their pace. Legacy then got an equaliser which they know more then deserved after a ball over the top it fell to the feet of mercurial midfielder Danny Smith who spotted the keeper off his line and lobbed him from 30 yards.

Marc Thain replaced Prince, with flamboyant midfielder Shane Rackham replacing the injured Sam Asplen who had run himself into the ground. Both teams had chances and probably felt they could of nicked a winner at the end but the highly entertaining game finished 4-4. Legacy can be proud of how they played today, they showed great character to come from behind three times including twice when they only had 10 men to earn a well deserved. Next weeks game is against Surff Utd and lets hope Legacy can take everything they did right in this game into next week match against them.

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