1st XI v ORFC D2-2

Date: Saturday 5th September 2009

Venue: 2.45pm kick-off on The Square

Team: Jones, Rees-Jones, Golding, Evans, Lewis, Sanderson, Moxham, Graham, Mullen, Duggan(C), Chilaka, Fearn

Result: Repton 2-2 ORFC

Match Report:
This was a very pleasing start to the season against a young and energetic OR team. The OR side started strongly and put us under some early pressure. However, strong defending allowed us to withstand these early attacks and gradually work our way into the game. Ndu Chilaka had made a particularly bright start with some strong early runs. We took the lead as CHILAKA made space in the area before lashing his shot past Paget in the OR goal. Neil Jones, making his 1st XI debut, kept the scores level with a superb save when the striker went clean through. He was powerless to stop the equalizer, however. Repton continued to press and created a superb chance for Sam Graham who shot tamely at the 'keeper from six yards. A clash of heads from a corner resulted in Andy Evans leaving the field just before half-time.

I was extremely pleased with the way we responded to the loss of our most experienced defender. New 1st XI players such as Lewis, Fearn and Moxham really responded well whilst Sanderson took on the responsibility of leadership at the back - he was my Man of the Match. We took the lead again in the second half when Chilaka caused havoc down the flank before squaring to Luke DUGGAN who applied the finish. As the match wore on our lack of subs started to tell, particularly with a couple of players carrying injuries. We came under increasing OR pressure and finally cracked when a goalmouth scramble was poked home. Despite more OR pressure we worked hard and held very firm for a deserved draw. Overall, a very pleasing start.