22.9.07
Man of the match: Richard Hand
In the return match from their disappointing first week defeat, Corinthians were determined that whatever occurred during this game, it would not be due to a lack of effort, commitment or spirit, and, to their credit, this was very much the case.
Forced into changes due to absence and injury regular defender Roger Alwood moved forward to play up front alongside Dimba Kier, making his comeback appearance following a long injury lay-off. Matthew Charters made his outfield debut at the back while Richard Hand and Eddie John offered some stability in the midfield.
Knowing that their opponents would offer a high intensity and would attack with pace Corinthians were challenged to maintain their concentration, and did so well in the opening exchanges, limiting Bell and Bottle to long-range efforts whilst putting together glimpses of quality going forward. On fifteen minutes however the home side took the lead when hesitancy in the Corinthians defence allowed the opposing forward to nip in to score at the near post. Undeterred Corinthians stuck to their plan and trying to play good football, taking the ball from the goalkeeper where possible and attempting to maintain possession.
As is often the issue where a new team are finding their feet, periods of confusion and lapses in concentration can occur, and it was sadly the case here when a mad ten to fifteen minute spell saw Corinthians concede three goals, including one that bounced wickedly off of the chest of defender Gary Mancini and over keeper Andy Stranks.
4-0 down at half-time Corinthians were disappointed but for the most part resolute to improve in the second half. Maintaining team spirit and positivity will always be a challenge when results are going against you, and it will be important in these formative months that the side remains close as a unit, a trait that has served the club well over the years. The second 45 minutes of this game will be a period that the side must take encouragement from. Mancini, Chris Maffey, Simon Ibbitt and Ben Ardron marshalled the defence with a maturity that shows the quality that exists in this side, while Joe Jerrome showed some of the touches that could make him a devastating player in the years to come. Hand’s man of the match display was ended prematurely by a strain with twenty minutes to go and he and Ibbitt were replaced by Tom Bell and Richard Spurr, who contributed to a solid end to the game.
Disappointingly Corinthians were unable to maintain a second-half stalemate when from a late corner Charters lost his man who headed home from close range, resulting in a final score of 5-0 to the home side, who boasted three former Corinthians themselves. With the pace and power at their disposal Bell and Bottle will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season, and were good value for their victory over an improving Corinthians side, who do not look too far away from starting to put together the kind of performances that will see them move away from the foot of the table.