GParkh

Report
Our first match of 2002 took place at Station Road against the gruesome Glebe Park. After a 3-2 win at their place Collingham were expecting another win to maintain their 100% record. They did maintain a 100% record however not the one they would have wanted.
On the morning of the game two players were unfortunately struck down through illness and therefore were unavailable for selection (one noticeable absentee was that of leading goalscorer Sam Betts)...so the team was slightly shuffled as a result.
Dawson was moved up front partnering Edens in attack while nifty nockers was placed in midfield with the wizard Wilko dropping back and Williams covering for Dawson. It was sure to be a hard fought contest, similair to what was encountered at their place...and it was! A boggy pitch mixed with flying challenges determination and to be fair to Collingham some attractive football mixed in.
The game did not start as the script would hae wrote it, within 10 mins Glebe Park had opened the scoring with a 20 yard shot past the helpless White. The defence had failed to close down the oncoming striker and he was given far too much time. Immediately Knockers and Edens were switched. The game went quiet for a while and got quite scrappy in the middle of the mud. Apart from the odd darting run down the wings from the two Lee's and missed opportunities by Edens and the front line not much to report...but then Collingham found their way back in with a decisive finish by Dawson after being put through with help from Edens and Nocivelli. He had his chances in the first half and finally he converted one of them.
The second half began at a relaxed pace but after a few fearsome tackles by the one and only grafter Gavin, it soon sparked to life. Collingham were playing good football spreading the ball about well, but again and has been apparent all season no matter who the front line have been, failed to convert the chances that were created. Glebe Park were hitting long and hopeful balls which seemed to cause problems for the defence...and eventually they did cause a big problem when a ball came through and Lee Woolley dubiously gave away a penatly. It was duely converted by Glebe Park...1-2. Then Collingham were straight back at them and within 5 minutes Dawson had his second goal with a cool finish with the outside of the boot...2-2 another twist to the tale. But their was more to come as Glebe Park looked happy to defend and play their unattractive Wimbledon style play of long ball game. Eventually another long ball caused problems and with a dubious foot high challenge on the keeper, Glebe Park made it 3...oh dear the Glebe Park section of the crowd were ecstatic, at what seemed to be an imminent loss for Collingham. But no...not quiet yet, Dawson was on his hat-trick and was eager as ever to get it. After great work by the consistently outstanding wizard he was put through on goal and pulled it back...AGAIN!!! If you thought it was over you were wrong...with seconds on the clock a great cross by Gavin left Dawson with an open goal but all he could do was place his header over the bar...from joy to despair. And that was that, probably the most entertaining games Collingham have played in this season but one they should have won with the chances they had. To be fair to Glebe Park though, they came to Collingham and did very well...they matched Collinghams determination possibly even bettered it, at some points of the game.
Oh well still unbeaten and still top...lets just make sure that it stays like that

Match Ratings
White - 7
Edens - 7
Dawson (c) - 9
Woolley - 7
Williams - 7
Cook - 7
Gavin - 9
Parlett - 8
Wilkinson - 9
Nocivelli - 7
Schlicht - 7

Subs
Miller - 7
Lamb - 6

Man of the Match

Special Thanks
Thank you to those parents who gave up their time to watch and support the lads today. We had a great turn out today. As always it was much appreciated. Well Done!

James