26.01.08
Man of the match: Dimba Kier
AFC Corinthians faced their old foes for the first time this season with high expectations of leaving Taplow with all three points. And they did exactly what they set out to do. But nobody would have predicted that they would win in this fashion.
Corinthians were without the injured Chris Long, Jon Simmons and Richard Cotterill, as well as having to play without in-form striker, Jon Smith. Often this season Corinthians have relied upon individuals to ensure wins, but today was one example of a complete team effort – starting from keeper through to the strikers.
The game started well, but the match was being dominated in midfield. The chances were few and far between. Only at set pieces did each side look like breaking the deadlock. On a rare foray forward, full-back Ben Charters blazed a snap-shot from outside the box well over the bar. Taplow were causing problems up front with their quick strikers and were it not for a good save from Jamie Scott and some strong defending from Jon Quinton, Finbar Mulholland and Andy Taplin, the away side could have gone 1-0 down.
However, often the first goal of a game is vital and on this occasion it was no different. As the old adage goes, cometh the hour; cometh man. While there maybe confusion as to who actually coined that term in history, there can be no doubt as to the importance of Dan Huggins’ opening strike and the effect it had on the outcome of this match. From a Ben Charters free-kick, the ball somehow landed at Huggins’ feet inside the box and he duly slapped it high into the roof of the net with an excellent finish. Corinthians did not relinquish this lead and they went into the break in the ascendancy.
The second half began brightly and it was not long before the visitors doubled their lead. From a corner, Taplow failed to clear and the ball found its way to Mulholland’s feet. He then fizzed a low shot towards goal which would have been cut out if it had not been for the timely intervention of Dimba Kier who instinctively deflected the ball away from the keeper and into the net.
It has been a frustrating season for Kier who has had to endure a number of niggling injuries. But for the first time in ages he is showing what he can do when free of them. On the 60 minute mark, he notched the third in what was becoming one-way traffic. The ball was worked forward and allowed Huggins to run through on goal. After being challenged by the keeper the ball fell to Kier who supported well and effectively finished off the match with the third.
But there was still time to add two more before the final whistle. First, Mulholland grabbed a fine individual goal firing low into the corner of the net from the edge of the box. Then they saved the best until last when substitute, Nick Clarkson, picked the ball up and unleashed an unstoppable shot from distance which dipped and gave the keeper no chance.
The game finished 0-5 to Corinthians and was a vital 3 points needed for the promotion chasers. Next week sees the visit of Shinfield and a chance to keep pushing up the league.