Match Report
Match Report - 19 Nov 2011, Old Modernians Football Club 3rds beat Mosaic (District Cup Round 3)
Mosiac FC……0
Old Mods……..3
S. Blake / o.g.
D. White
A. Binns
Mods recorded their 10th straight victory in league and cup this season with messes Blake, White and Binns sharing the goalscoring responsibly. Mods travelled to the a Mosaic side that sit second in the Premier Division of the Yorkshire Christian Football League and manager Andy Hick side lined up with Dawtry between the sticks. The back four had to be re-shuffled with the absence of Andy Shirley, meaning Jodie Lazenby was moved into left back, Sam Lunt was recalled for his first start at right back, following a 6 week layoff with an ankle injury. Rowe and Bradford continued as the pair in the middle. The midfield contained a middle three of Stenger, Blake and Hill with Douglas from the right and Astel from the left supporting Dan White in the central attaching role. There was only a place on the bench from Binns, Sproats and Sikazwe.
The game was played on a pitch that could make anyone’s touch look non-existent and a 10 metre jog feel like a 50 meter sprint with lead in your boots. And it was clear which team adjusted to the conditions better, the home side who must me used to their pitch had the majority of play in the opening exchanges, threatening from a combination free kicks and corners. With the pressure building Andy Hick took the decision to be proactive, not reactive and changed his formation to 4-4-2 with Tim Hill moving out to the left and Stu Astel, joining Dan White in attack.
Both teams struggled to find quality in the final third the marauding Lunt did well down the right, performing a checky nut-meg before seeing his effort on goal blocked. However, it was Stu Astel who had the first real chance in the game, the pitch proved to be the main architect, forcing the defender to slip and give Astel a sight of goal, the keeper saved smartly down to his right to keep the game level. Astel was also at the end of another chance after good approach play from Tim Hill and Dan White but the striker couldn’t find a finish to match his excellent run.
Half time and the score line remained 0-0, Mosaic probably having the territorial advantage but their were few notable chances for either side.
In the second half Mods began to just take control of the game, but it was the home side that had the best chance, only a good save form Dawtry kept the scores even. It was a game where the first goal was going to be crucial and it arrived with a more than a slice of good fortune. Simon Blake, hung up a deep, high cross that Mosaics keeper failed to hold, well actually he caught it then threw it into the back of the net. The charitable Christians living up to their stereotype.
With the game still very much in the balance Mods went back to doing the basics right, this team’s defensive record is fantastic and with the impressive Rowe and Bradford marshalling the back line you feel that one goal is always enough. Melu Sikazwe replaced Lunt after 60 minutes and looked comfortable, slotting in a left back, making some vital interceptions and tackles. Adam Binns in preparation for this game grew a Jesus like beard, as he entered proceeding their was whispers and murmurs amongst the opposition. Mike Sproats was also introduced, replacing Stu Astel, with all his cards played, it was now down to the players on the pitch to see out the last 10 minutes of the game.
The match was put to bed on with 5 minutes to go as Dan White shrugged of a defender and fired a left footed shot into the bottom corner. With the game safe, the demoralised Mosaic were put to the sword when the third goal went it. Simon Blake, hung up another cross from the left and Adam Binns divinely rose like a bearded messiah to glance the cross in via the woodwork with the last meaningful act of the game.
A 0-3 defeat may seem a little unjust on Mosaic but Andy Hicks men continue to march on and book their place in the draw for the next round.
Mosaic (District Cup Round 3) 0 - 3 Old Modernians Football Club 3rds