20.10.07
Man of the match: Jamie Scott
Sometimes, when it comes to reporting AFC Corinthians’ matches, the less said the better. Well, for the re-match of two old foes, this is aptly accurate. Only weeks before, the Whites turned in an excellent performance away from home and came away with all 3 points. This time round, it was a no-contest.
The home side lined up without a number of influential players, as they have been throughout this season while, conversely, Cookham Dean seemed to signed a whole new squad full of experienced players.
The opening exchanges were fairly even. The home side put some nice attacking moves together and Daniel Huggins went close forcing a fine save from their keeper down low to his right. But Corinthians were adopting a high defence and they looked susceptible to having the offside sprung. This was evident midway through the first half when their striker broke through to see his shot rebound off the post and into keeper Jamie Scott’s arms on the line. This was a warning Corinthians did not heed. The away side was beginning to dominate and pile pressure on our back 5. They hit the post again. Then their possession finally paid off. A deep ball to the back-post picked out their on-coming winger who headed into the net. 1-0. It soon became 2-0 after a Cookham after cookham successfully converted a corner.
Half time came and went. Corinthians tried to change things and push the away side onto the back foot. But sadly nothing was working today. More pressure from the assured Cookham side saw 2 more goals being slotted home. The result could have been worse had it not been for some last ditch defending and some good saves from Scott.
While the day ended on disappointment for Corinthians, they should not dwell on this. Next week sees an away trip to Berkshire Country Sports in Sonning and a chance to re-group.