Match Report
Ryman League: Division One South
 Molesey 1Sacha 85 |
 Horsham YMCA 1Russell 35 |
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Source: Patrick Corlett, West Sussex County Times |
PAT MASSARO's broken leg took the shine off an entertaining 1-1 draw between Molesey and Horsham YMCA.
The diminutive forward suffered the injury early in the second half after Matt Russell had poked the visitors in front in the 35th minute.
Molesey had the majority of play but YM carved out the better opportunities and had the chance to put the game to bed before Dan Sacha equalised with five minutes to go.
Manager John Suter said: "I would have been happy with a point in the first half because we started slowly as usual but when I look back at the clear cut chances we had, I'm disappointed.
"Pat Massaro had two in the first half and Matt Russell in the second.
"They pressured the penalty area more but we had more clear cut chances.
"You should be happy with a point away from home but I was disappointed not to get all the points."
YM started with a three pronged attack of Russell, Massaro and Steve Davies but they were mainly isolated during the opening as the hosts were on top.
To make life more difficult, keeper Dean Ruddy had a thigh strain so couldn't kick.
Paul Cross had a shot from an angle comfortably saved and Richard Thompson bulldozed his way through before blazing high and wide.
However, the first time YM got the ball down and passed it produced the best chance when Massaro dinked the ball through to Davies, but he volleyed just across the face of goal.
The in form Phil Ruggles headed a good chance wide at the other end and Ben Beswick smashed over.
The ball bounced through to Massaro who had all the time in the world but he lobbed a golden chance over.
YM took the lead in the 35th minute when a corner fell for Ellis Hooper at the far post, he rifled in a shot that was blocked, and then returned the rebound that Russell stabbed home.
Ruddy saved well from Ruggles but the lead should have been doubled on half time when Massaro blazed over from eight yards out after the impressive Dan Sackman had found him.
A mix up at the back resulted in Ruddy's clearance looping up off Hooper but the keeper did brilliantly to claw away a Cross header.
Massaro suffered the injury and play was halted for over 30 minutes while they waited for an ambulance but when it did restart Cross missed another chance and YM produced the move of the match.
The excellent Andy Ottley played a neat one-two with Scott Kirkwood and sprayed the ball over the top for Davies with the outside of his right foot but the striker shot over.
A Russell bicycle kick was well saved by Chuck Martini and Kirkwood wasted a couple of opportunities.
Another great chance went begging for YM when Ottley nut megged Ruggles and released Russell, with the keeper flat footed, the striker had time but he shot inches wide.
With five minutes to go Molesey equalised, Ruddy made a fine reaction stop from Ruggles but the ball was not cleared properly, Sacha picked his spot and curled a beauty into the top corner.
YM still had time to spurn two more golden opportunities, Richard Greenfield steered a scuffed shot from Tom White into Martini's hands and Davies headed Matt Duffield's cross on to the post.
"I couldn't believe Andy Ottley's performance, I thought he had a tremendous game," commented Suter.
Man of the match: Andy Ottley - had a cracking game at full back.
Magic moment: The inch perfect pass from Andy Ottley to Steve Davies after he had linked up with Scott Kirkwood.
YM (4-4-2): Ruddy; Garden, Hooper, Sackman, Ottley; Duffield, White, Kirkwood; Davies, Russell, Massaro (Greenfield 53).