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When a superb move was finally hit by Neal Dodd, his effort was turned onto the post by the keeper, once again; in training we would have pretended it was a goal, just for Neal. Craig Norris also stung a shot, which went just wide of the post.
Rob Cully didn’t have much to do, his Paul Robinson hand protectors seemed pointless at this stage in the game, Brett Norris was taking most of Rob’s Goal kicks by simply stating “Look at Matt”. Only once did Enfield break through when Jason attempted to glide down the left wing by shouting, “See ya”, but the Geese had other ideas when Adamo stole back the ball and his opponents techni-coloured dream coat. Before Half time, Paul Dodd was put through, his jinking run and composure rounded the keeper and he slotted the ball into the far corner. It was just what the Geese needed, 2-0 at half time, and a comforting lead, to aid Paul Cully’s team talk.
At Half time it was a matter of “continuing to play the same way”, because Paul Cully could see that chances were being made, and fitness levels should potentially provide a new gear in the second half. At the start of the second half, wreckless challenges were still going unpunished and throws were still hitting trees.
Passing was now even better, the ball being fizzed from right-to-left with both fullbacks involved in moves. The understanding between Paul and Brett was much clearer in the second half, evidence of this saw Paul triangle the ball through to Brett who was on the shoulder of the last defender, and powered in a low shot to make it three nil.
Enfield took advantage of a lapse in concentration when a basic throw and pass through was undetected; the Argonauts lobbed Rob, who was left helpless. Despite the one sided game the score was worryingly now 3-1. Thankfully Enefer kept the pressure on when his mazy run beat four defenders (all of which took a swipe at him) and he blasted the ball into the bottom left, a clear contender for goal of the season. At 4-1 the game was looking out of reach for Enfield. Paul Cully chose this moment to make a double substitution, Bradley Hewitt and fit again Martin Belsey replaced Chris Cedrone (who took a knock) and Tony Vullo (who missed training through illness).
A ball out to Brett Norris on the right wing saw him beat his man and deliver a cross into the box, the ball was nearest Belsey but as the ball deflected back out, Andy Perry slid in to volley into the corner and celebrate with his whistling dad. Ten minutes after the subs were introduced it was clear that Gavin Henson was doing the three graduates of his sportswear no good. The shirt designed to compress the chest was making it difficult to breath; it took Belsey three attempts just to throw his shirt off the field. Lorraine Kelly and Barney Rubble were both working hard for Enfield, but a long Matt Cully throw found Brett Norris who was 135 yards out and somehow side footed in an accurate strike to conclude the scoring. His celebration was like a spin-off from Benny Hill, being chased by his teammates all delighted by his goal.
The game ended 6-1, and the job was done. The Geese played well but its clear there is still more to come. Concerning was the fact that Enfield only had one decent attempt at goal, but scored it. Mistakes need to be ironed out, but today the Geese created chances and played very well as a team, especially in the second half. The referee was, lets say happy to let the game flow. So the Geese done well to chip away at their opponents even when the overall control of the game was weak but it was clear from the start “the sun always shine when it pour”
Pino Packer caught up with Paul Cully inside the central Pavilion, “Firstly I want to give credit to Enfield’s keeper, he made so many important saves and had a great game. I’ve already spoken about my concerns with the warm up, and I’m sure that it will not happen again. Some good performances today, Vullo was solid despite the flu, and Brett worked very hard and deserved his two goals. Man of the Match was between our two little Dickey birds – and although Paul was class today, I’ve chosen Peter, for his battling, passing and that goal. Oh yeah, I will, I will finish the decorating by Christmas, even if it kills me, kills me I say! Cos once I’m started, I’ll never get stuck, green green green Eddie Stobbart truck.
Ratings - R Cully 8, A Castiglione 8, N Dodd 8, C Norris 8, T Vullo 8 (B Hewitt 7), M Cully 8, A Perry 8, P Enefer 9, C Cedrone 9 (M Belsey 7), P Dodd 9, B Norris 9
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