Match Report
Match Report - 11 Oct 2009, Clapham Rovers Clapham Rovers lost to Sporting Santar
For those who played in the first fixture against Sporting Santar, Sunday’s game was very much a case of déjà vu all over again.
As in the first fixture, the play on both sides was quite scrappy, with clear goal scoring chances at a premium. The half time whistle saw a scoreline of 1-1 and the second half also saw a wonder save from myself from a penalty. Those who argue that the penalty on Sunday was just as bad as the last one would be very wrong. It was much worse!
Unfortunately though with regards to the result, this is where the similarities end. I could go on about dislocated knees and harsh sendings off but I won’t. Instead with 10 minutes to go, our stubborn resistance was breached with a decent finish from inside the box which put Santar 2-1 up and gave them the win.
The game was barely 10 minutes old when Matt Wright pulled his hamstring, thus making Darren Anderton look like Captain Invincible, and had to be replaced by Yousef. This necessitated a reshuffle at the back with Steve moving to right back and Rob Vernon making his first appearance at Centre Back since he started playing football.
Soon after, Santar scored their first. A free kick was swung in and an unmarked Santar attacker had the easy task of heading the ball into the net.
Clapham Rovers responded by looking to attack Santar in much the same fashion as they had done before the goal was conceded. We were getting plenty of joy down the flanks from Bunny and Rhys but unfortunately we couldn’t create many clear cut chances. Some great surging runs from Bill had the Santar defence on the hop, but alas a goal didn’t materialise.
The second half was characterised by few chances once again. That was until Jack Cogan scored with an absolute beauty of a half volley which put us back in the game. The ball came to him just outside the area (I think) and he hammered it past the goal.
The game then continued back and forth before Santar were awarded their second penalty against us in 2 games. Steve put in a tackle on their big centre forward, who had troubled us all a day and brought him down. For the penalty I guessed right again, dived to my right and managed to put the ball out for a corner rather than straight into play, which I did last time.
Santar scored their winner no less than 10 minutes after.
SUMMARY
Disappointing result considering the 8-1 result from the week before. However, Santar are much better than Lambeth United. We’ll probably play worse than this and win this season so there’s no need to be too down hearted. Let’s keep up the effort.
On a more positive note, we will be meeting Santar twice more this year and we’ll get our chance for revenge very soon.
Man of the Match
Achi – Colossus at the back. Constantly repelled Santar. He even showed his commitment to the cause by kneeing a Santar striker in the head. The striker then moaned for the rest of the match everytime Achi was tasked with marking him. They don’t like it up ‘em!
There is a possibly a game on Sunday so watch this space.
Cheers
Clapham Rovers Clapham Rovers 1 - 2 Sporting Santar ()