Riverside 2 - 1 Camden FC
21 January 2007 - Report by Kirk Weyman
BLUTO VISITS WOOLWICH HOSPITAL
Starting Lineup: Smudger, Navy Neil, Ginge, Catty (Cpt) Kirk, Paul, Chris, Benneth, Kaan, Lee B, Searley Subs: Matt, Gambling Kev
The Daily Greek would firstly like to acknowledge a gutsy performance on Saturday by Welling Supporters in defeating West Ham Supporters by the narrow margin of 2-1. There was a mesmeric right back display by Ginge and, in case nobody knew, Kirk scored a header (his first in 18 years of football), making it 3 in 3 for the in form striker!!
Back to the main report. This match saw controversy, some good passing football, poor finishing, and the welcome return of Paul (Mildred or Smudger to those in the know) in goal for the absent (and possibly retired Kev). After 3 games without defeat Camden wanted to avenge the opening day 3-0 defeat to Riverside and, with a few enforced changes, knew they would have their work cut out.
Everyone congregated at Seven Acres sports ground awaiting the arrival of whoever had the kit (Matt, as it turned out). Whilst waiting, Benneth was kind enough to show us a picture that he had taken en route to the game. It was of a gentleman pushing an old lady in a wheelchair. Quite insignificant on first glance but it was soon pointed out that this particular gentleman had decided to go out without any trousers on. Quite peculiar for a Sunday morning.
The lads then entered the very small changing room in preparation for the main event. Not much of note happened and the boys strutted out on to the green baize that was the pitch. After the usual crossing and very poor shooting at a mostly empty net by the chaps Catty went up for his Captain’s duties whilst Mark told everyone the starting line up. There were a few enforced changes from last week. Navy Neil came in for Dan Ahern at right back and Kirk was at centre back in place of Ashley (both Ashley and Dan were working) with Leon Von Burge slotting in next to Kaan in centre midfield.
A 4-5-1 formation was the option this week by the boss, with Searle as the lone striker, but this soon fell into a more familiar, less confusing, 4-4-2 with Benneth wide left and Chris joining Searley up front. It was a slow first 10 with Riverside having a bit of possession and Camden struggling to clear their lines. After a while things settled and the Camden started to pass the ball around nicely. Most of the play went down the right hand side through Paul, Searley was holding the ball up well and Chris was a constant threat to their back line.Though both sides were trying to knock the ball around there wasn’t too many clear openings. Riverside had a few shots from distance which Paul either saved well or that whistled wide, whilst the away side broke quickly on occasion giving Chris a few runs on goal, unfortunately never finding the target. About 30 minutes or so into the first half the Camden began another attack. Chris was found on the edge of the box. He cut inside the defender and shot low at the keeper’s near post. It found its way into the corner with the goalie just standing and looking. A good finish by Chris. 1-0 Camden.
It was a hard fought match and the Camden knew that Riverside would come at them strong after falling behind. However, the Camden defended well and was giving the home side no time on the ball. It was felt that they could hold on to the lead going into the break. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be as Riverside snatched a controversial equalizer. From a Camden clearance their left winger attempted to control the ball but it flew off his leg into the path of their striker, who, from running back from an offside position, turned and fired the ball past Paul. There were huge protests as the striker was about 5 yards offside. There was no flag, however and the ref chose not to overrule the decision himself due to the lack of a flag, even though it was pretty obvious the goal should not have stood. 1-1.There only remained a few minutes of the half left after this. Not much else happened and the sides went in at the break all square. The half time talk consisted of being afraid to pass the ball short to each other. This was thought to be quite strange as it was probably some of the better composed passing and build up play seen by the team all season. Anyway, everyone had their drinks, the Greek doused his injured shin in deep heat and the boys went out for the second half intent on taking all 3 points.
The first 15 minutes of the second period was all Camden. Probably the best chance in this spell fell to Burge. A corner swung in created havoc in their box and after a few pot shots and a bit of a scramble the ball fell loose to Lee. He was about 7 yards out but he struck the half volley over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Searley and Chris also had attempts which tested the keeper out.
The away side continued to create and felt it would be a matter of time before they grabbed the lead. Unfortunately, chance after chance went begging and Riverside slowly began to get more of the ball. With just under 20 minutes remaining the home sides sub crossed the ball in from the right. Their skipper rose and headed the ball towards goal. Paul made a great save onto the bar but as it bounced out their striker was quickest toreact and though Paul tipped his header onto the bar, this time it bounced down over the line. 2-1 to Riverside.
Riverside did not really deserve this lead as they were being restricted to long shots for the most part of the half with Camden forcing more saves from their keeper. The goal seemed to knock the away side a bit though as Riverside then created one or too chances which did test Paul. For the remaining 10/15 minutes Kev and Matt were brought on for Paul and Benneth. The Camden pressed in the last 5 or so minutes. Both Kirk and Catt making a couple runs forward and right back Neil having attempt which flew just wide.
The closest effort, however, was probably a superb header from Kev which only just went over the bar. It was looking like it was to be yet another 1 goal defeat for the boys and things got worse when Kaan’s shoulder popped out again with about 2 minutes remaining in the match. He went to hospital but was back down the pub later on, business as usual. Final score 2-1 to Riverside.
Everyone played well in a pretty good team performance. Navy Neil was solid on his first start of the season and Chris created all sorts of problems for their defence. Man of the Match award, though, goes to Paul. In the first half especially, he hardly lost the ball and was heavily involved in most of the Camden’s attacks.
Yet another narrow defeat. A bit of controversy in the first goal and perhaps a bit of poor marking for the second. The team is creating more then enough good chances every game, though, to be taking at least 1 point of most sides. If the team, as a whole, can start being more clinical in front of goal and/or get a bit of luck then these 1 goal defeats can be reversed.
Finally, for the next theme day, to continue to ease people in and get everyone involved, lary shirts has been suggested, though not finalized. Discuss.