06.10.07
Man of the match: TBC
Corinthians went into this match seeking revenge for the loss of the opening game of the season to Spencers Wood. Coming off the back of dogged and morale boosting wins over Cookham Dean and Marlow Utd Reserves the week before, the home side were also looking to gain another 3 points to push them up the league. Corinthians welcomed back Finbar Mulholland and were afforded the luxury of starting Daniel Huggins up front after a stint in midfield in recent weeks.
The match was cagey from the start, but slowly Corinthians upped the pressure and, at times, were playing some delightful attacking football whilst limiting the visitors to very few opportunities. Corinthians were fluid and were spreading the play well. After several chances went begging, the deadlock was finally broken. The ball was switched at pace from the left side of defence to the right where Jon Quinton, enjoying his attacking freedom a 3 man defence can afford, made a great, surging run down the right wing. He got to the by-line and, for the second successive week, pulled a great cross back where the pressure of Huggins caused the keeper to spill the ball into the 6 yard box. Dave Hurley gladly accepted the kind offer of a virtually open goal and added to his growing tally this season.
The half ended with the Corinthian keeper, Jamie Scott, making a couple of good saves but apart from that he had very little to do.
Still, the half time talk focussed on keeping it tight in the second half and making sure we closed out the game.
Sadly, as often happens, Corinthians conceded a goal not long into the second half with a well taken goal. Virtually straight from the ensuing kick-off the visitors almost took the lead after some sloppy defending. However, Jamie pulled out an excellent stop at the nippy striker’s feet after he tried to go round him. This was a let off, and Corinthians knew it. The home side were coming under increasing pressure as Spencers wood changed their formation and Corinthians found themselves outnumbered at times.
However, as the game neared its conclusion a quality move and strike ensured that all 3 points would be Corinthians’. The ball found its way to Chris Long who, playing wingback, pushed forward towards the opposition box. Joe Carters then received the ball and delightfully picked out Long, who had continued his run into the penalty area, with an incisive chip. Long darted through and on the angle met the ball with a volley and lobbed the oncoming keeper. Corinthians took the initiative for the closing 10 mins of the match and if it was not for tired legs and a poor effort, Long could have secured the win with a hat-trick.
Still, it was another win for the home side who made it three on the trot. What was equally as pleasing, however, was that while Corinthians have shown a willingness to fight and not give in under pressure all season they are now starting to play some excellent football. Next week sees the return of Frilsham and Yattendon and Corinthians will need to be at their best to beat them.