Match Report
Sussex County League: Premier Division
 East Grinstead 0 |
 Horsham YMCA 1Bird 14 |
Date:18th August 2004 Location: East Grinstead
Source: West Sussex County Times
JAMES Bird scored the only goal as YM squeezed past East Grinstead on a horrible Tuesday night.
Bird's 14th minute goal, he pounced on a loose ball and slotted past Dave Tidy from 15 yards, was the only shining light on a dreadful evening where good football was at a premium.
"I was not impressed," said YM manager John Suter. "I was not impressed with the game and I was not impressed with our performance and our ability to keep and pass the ball."
A poor pitch and even worse weather contributed to the dire affair but the game offered little for spectators and trying to stay dry during the second half rainstorm offered some much needed respite.
James Plumley, however, did his best to lift the gloom and the fact that YM managed to win was down to his performance as much as Bird's goal.
His first important save came in first half injury-time, rushing out bravely to deny debutant Rob Anderson who had wormed his way through the YM defence.
The YM keeper made a spectacular stop to palm wide Dave Gellatly's towering header on the hour and Plumley completed his man-of-the-match performance with another superb block from Aaron Zimmatore six minutes from time.
The visitors endured a frustrating evening at the other end of the field. Too often they struggled to hold on to possession by passing straight to the opposition or running into blind alleys and losing the ball.
The workaholic Joel O'Hara retained his high standards while his team-mates flagged, diving wholeheartedly into tackles and surging down the line when YM infrequently spread the ball to the left flank.
Barring the goal, YM's best chances were fashioned by their impressive midfielder. O'Hara set-up Steve Davies on the half-hour, the striker volleying over the bar, and the same pair combined in the 58th minute.
O'Hara bombed down the line and crossed an inviting ball but Davies mis-timed his jump and headed over the bar.
YM's best chance came in the 63rd minute and again O'Hara was involved. Bird and Wayne Potter, who nearly scored himself on 15 minutes, released O'Hara down the line. The YM man got to the by-line and crossed to substitute Ali Russell who did well to deflect the ball goalwards although Tidy made a save that befitted his surname.
"I was pleased with the result but not with the performance. We can play better," insisted Suter.
Team: 4-4-2): Plumley; Carden, Westgate, Carter, Sleat; Grant (Bidwell 66), Potter, Bird, O'Hara; Davies (Russell 59), Flint.