09.02.08
Man of the match: Coach Kitten
The only aspect that was different between the first meeting with these two sides and Saturday’s game was that it was played at Victoria Rec and not at St. James’ Lane. The match was played out in an almost identical fashion; both sides battling hard in midfield, some neat football at times, and chances not being taken. However, this is all immaterial, as the important similarity was that AFC Corinthians, once again, scored the only goal of the game to come away with all three points.
The away side were without Jon Simmons, Jon Quinton, Chris Long and Richard Cotterill. But they still lined up with a strong attacking side, playing with two strikers in Dan Huggins and Jon Smith.
The game started brightly with goal mouth scrambles for both sides. However, it soon became clear that the majority of the first half would be played out in midfield. Joff Charters was winning a lot of challenges and orchestrating the first few attacks. Were it not for a couple of offsides Huggins could have fired the away side ahead early on. Then, following excellent work down the left hand side, Finbar Mulholland delivered a pin-point diagonal cross to the back post where Dimba Kier was ghosting in. Unfortunately the in-form winger met the volley too well and it flew inches wide.
At the same time, West Reading was dangerous on the break and their tall striker was causing problems for Corinthians. However, apart from forcing a few corners and a couple of free-kicks outside the box they did not force keeper, Jamie Scott, into too many saves.
The half finished deadlocked but Corinthians knew that there were three points up for grabs if they could push the play and take their chances.
The beginning of the second half saw much of the same. Tit-for-tat attacks saw both defences being asked questions. Ian O’Reilly, Dan Robertson and full-backs Mulholland and Andy Taplin were having excellent games cutting out through-balls and keeping West Reading far from Scott’s goal. Meanwhile, the Corinthian midfield was being becoming more of a force with Joff and Joe Charters exerting their authority.
The pivotal and deciding moment of the match came about half way through into the half. Corinthians try to play the majority of matches with the football on the deck, so it was ironic that they took the lead through a route one move. The impressive O’Reilly launched a precise delivery from the backline all the way through to Dan Huggins to run onto. The striker, who is arguably having his best season in a Corinthian shirt, took the ball on, held off his man and finished past the on-rushing keeper to deservedly make it 0-1.
The game understandably opened up as the home side pushed on to get an equaliser. And it was during this period that Corinthians could have increased their lead. First, Ben Charters broke free down the right and had space to cut in and unleash a fierce shot, which the keeper saved well. Then, in the closing minutes, Jon Smith was put clean through but the keeper saved well once again to deny him.
Corinthians managed to survive a nervy final onslaught from the home side to win this close encounter. It was a vital win and one which keeps the Whites in the running for promotion. Next week sees the visit of Wokingham & Emmbrook, which will be a tough match, so Corinthians will need to show more of the same grit and determination to get another win under their belts.