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Sean Stevenson - Scored, and was Man of the Match
Ten-man Winteringham show spirit
DSV 4 - 1 Winteringham Reserves
Scunthorpe Sunday League Division 4
by Anthony Hubbard
On Sunday Morning 6th April Winteringham Reserves played DSV at Brigg Recreation ground. The previous meeting between the two sides ended in a 4-1 victory to DSV. Winteringham could have confirmed their place in division four with a victory.
In the early moments of the first half things were looking promising for Winteringham as they created the first clear cut chance, but unfortunately they were unable to test the keeper. Moments later a cross into the box and some poor marking led to a DSV player getting a free header inside the Winteringham penalty area. He headed towards goal, and a momentary lapse from goalkeeper Paul Mitchell saw the ball end up in the back of the net (1-0 to DSV). The goal seemed to affect the Winteringham player’s confidence which led to more mistakes. A second goal was soon to follow for DSV; it was the result of another defensive mistake this time it was some poor marking from a throw in.
The Winteringham players tried to re-group and push forward to try to find a way back into the match and created some good chances. But DSV always looked dangerous going the other way and soon scored a third goal. Winteringham centre-back John Underwood picked up an injury in the build-up play to the third goal and had to be substituted by Rory Cunningham. This move led to a tactical reshuffle, with Martin Wilds going to centre back, Rory into midfield and Craig Grice joining Sean upfront.
The change in tactics seemed to be paying off as the team seem to regain a bit of composure and organisation, but then disaster struck, five minutes after coming on as substitute Rory went in for a tackle, won the ball but caught the player as well. The Referee blew his whistle and called Rory over, everyone at the game were amazed when the referee produced a red card. Now things looked even bleaker for the Winteringham side, three goals down and now playing with ten men. For the remainder of the first half the Winteringham players dug in and battled for one another and got to half time without conceding another goal.
During the half time team talk Manager Ian Brown emphasised the need to work as a team in the second half. To be fair the Winteringham players did work as a team in the second half, and it was a much better performance. Goalkeeper Paul Mitchell made several good saves in the early stages of the second half.
On 55 minutes Winteringham were awarded a penalty for handball. Striker Sean Stevenson stepped up and although his penalty was saved by the keeper, he had the awareness to follow his strike in and scored from the rebound. After the goal Winteringham continued to push forward looking for another, but unfortunately they got caught on the counter and DSV scored a fourth.
Winteringham were the better side in the second half, and they battled very well considering they only had ten men. Winteringham had the better chances in the second half, the best of those falling to Simon Sanderson, who’s attempted lob went about a foot over the cross bar. The main positive to take from the day was the way the players pulled together after the sending off, it looked like some of the team spirit had returned.
The Winteringham players are going to really have to pull together now, they have one game left to clinch survival. That game is against fellow strugglers Queens, a win for either side would guarantee fourth division football next season. Manager Ian Brown has stated defeat isn’t an option as he hasn’t been relegated in nineteen years of football and doesn’t want to start now!
Next Game: 20th April 2008 - Queens at Quibell Park, Scunthorpe. 10:30am Kick off
Winteringham
Paul Mitchell Ben Griffiths John Underwood Ben Barker Jack Helps Andrew Pirie Craig Grice Luke McMahon Simon Sanderson Martin Wilds Sean Stevenson
Subs: Anth Hubbard (60 mins Andrew Pirie), Alex Harte (70 mins Jack Helps), Rory Cunningham (35 mins John Underwood)
Goals: Sean Stevenson
Man of the Match: Sean Stevenson
Bookings:Rory Cunningham (Red Card)
Venue: Brigg Recreation Ground
Winteringham Football Club plays in the Fallen Hero Scunthorpe Sunday Football League, Divisions One & Five Click here for the League’s website
The Club is Affiliated to the Lincolnshire Football Association. Click here for Lincolnshire FA’s website
