01.09.07
Man of the match: Finbar Mulholland
After a mixed pre-season, which saw AFC Corinthians rarely field its full strength team, the opening game of the season was no different. However, even without the likes of the skipper Dan Groves, Joff Charters, Dimba Kier, Ben Charters and the gaffer, Matt Charters, the team still approached the match with high hopes. But after a hard fought battle, it was Spencers Wood who collected the three points.
The game started brightly with both sides having to play football on a pitch which badly needed a cut. The opening exchanges saw Nick Clarkson and Daniel Huggins look dangerous and if it was not for a couple of close offside decisions, Corinthians might have taken the lead. However, it was Spencers Wood who pressured the Corinthian defence and forced a few set pieces. Finally a well delivered corner to the back post was met with a good looping header into the corner for the home side to take the lead.
In previous years this might have spelled danger for Corinthians, but going one down seemed to spur them on. Clarkson came close after being put through by Chris Long. Then a well worked moved created space for Finbar Mulholland to strike just wide of the opposition’s goal. For all the possession in the last 15 minutes of the half, though, Corinthians just could not breakdown the resolute Spencers Wood defence and went into the break trailing.
The second half continued where the first half ended. Corinthians looked strong at back with Ian O’Reilly and Jon Quinton dealing with their tricky striker well. While going forward they were getting more of the ball and were forcing the opposition to defend deeper. However, the final ball lacked the quality needed and Corinthians were made to pay. Following a set piece, which was not cleared sufficiently, Spencers Wood put another ball into the box where a their striker picked up the pieces to make it 2-0.
While disappointed, Corinthians managed to halve the lead not long after this set-back. The captain on the day, Joe Charters, broke free from midfield with a surging run to then pick out Finbar Mulholland who was supporting. Mulholland finished with a fine, low shot into the bottom right corner of the net.
With time running out, Corinthians pushed for the equaliser. Clarkson had a shot blocked which would have caused the keeper problems had it not struck their sub’s arm. The strong penalty appeal was ignored. Corinthians’ misery and frustration was compounded with a late break away goal by Spencers Wood, to end the match 3-1.
While the points were lost, there were a lot of positives to take from the match. With some better and more clinical finishing, the match could have ended differently. Next up is a home match against Frilsham & Yattendon where Corinthians will hope to improve and get their first win of the season.