Ricardo's report v Gillingham

[ricardo 8,015]

Sorry for the delay folks but Ricardo was strongarmed into the Workshop for a celebratory pint of Peroni. Not that I put up much resistance mind you but all in all a satisfactory end to the afternoon.When promotion is already wrapped up the remaining games can either be a feast of flowing football or a rather nervy and less than full hearted affair. Sad to report for 75 minutes this afternoon it was the latter feeling that predominated. The first half was on a par with watching paint dry and much of the second period was little better. Most of the play was condensed into the middle 50 yards of the pitch and thus goalmouth action was at a premium. There was virtually nothing from Gillingham in the opening half and only a couple of flashes from City. Martin had a 20 yard free kick just over the top and then a lovely take down on his chest and a shot across goal which was about the highpoint of the half.Ellit replaced the ineffective MacNamee as City tried to increase the tempo at the start of the second half and a cople of early corners resulted but still no shot on goal. Gillingham then responded with their best period of the match and forced Forster into a good save when their big forward broke through on the right and Doc completed the clearance. City still couldn''t get much traction and it looked odds on that the Gills would open the scoring when another cross came in from the right only for the ball to somehow end up in Forsters arms when a goal seemed certain.The King of Spain came on for Hughes and City immeadiately looked sharper and with more options out wide. Holt went close with a hooked cross shot and Doc headed just over from a Lappin corner. Lappin again crossed only for Elliot to head it against the defenders hands, cries went up for a penalty all to no avail but moments later Rusty picked up a loose ball and surged into the box before curling a lovely effort over the keeper and down off the underside ofv the bar. It looked clearly a goal from my position in the River End and thankfully the Lino was well up with play and made the correct decision. We looked a different team after this and some decent moves began to flow at last. Lappin whipped over another accurate corner from the right and there was the Admiral to raise a cheer that could be heard all the way to Burnham Market. It was game over and time for the celebrations to begin in earnest.MOM had to be The Admiral who has come on in leaps and bounds in the last couple of months. Nobody was a bigger critic than me but credit where its due, he was top class again today.Chris Martin had his best game for some time and went close on two or three occasions. Holty started slowly but became more influencial the longer the game went on. Three quarters of this game was distinctly forgetable but the final 15 minutes and celebrations after more than made up for the previous load of dross.One more home game to go and that will be League One done and dusted. Hopefully for a very long time.

[ricardo 8,015]

Sorry for the typo''sThe Peroni is working its magic.

[First Wizard 0]

Many many thanks Ricardo.

[Houston Canary 0]

Where are all the props for Ricardo? Another fine report appreciated by those of us unable to be see it for outselves.

[Yelloow Since 72 56]

Yes - excellent analysis again Ricardo!

[LinkNR9 0]

[quote user="ricardo"]Sorry for the delay folks but Ricardo was strongarmed into the Workshop for a celebratory pint of Peroni. Not that I put up much resistance mind you but all in all a satisfactory end to the afternoon.

When promotion is already wrapped up the remaining games can either be a feast of flowing football or a rather nervy and less than full hearted affair. Sad to report for 75 minutes this afternoon it was the latter feeling that predominated. The first half was on a par with watching paint dry and much of the second period was little better. Most of the play was condensed into the middle 50 yards of the pitch and thus goalmouth action was at a premium. There was virtually nothing from Gillingham in the opening half and only a couple of flashes from City. Martin had a 20 yard free kick just over the top and then a lovely take down on his chest and a shot across goal which was about the highpoint of the half.

Ellit replaced the ineffective MacNamee as City tried to increase the tempo at the start of the second half and a cople of early corners resulted but still no shot on goal. Gillingham then responded with their best period of the match and forced Forster into a good save when their big forward broke through on the right and Doc completed the clearance. City still couldn''t get much traction and it looked odds on that the Gills would open the scoring when another cross came in from the right only for the ball to somehow end up in Forsters arms when a goal seemed certain.

The King of Spain came on for Hughes and City immeadiately looked sharper and with more options out wide. Holt went close with a hooked cross shot and Doc headed just over from a Lappin corner. Lappin again crossed only for Elliot to head it against the defenders hands, cries went up for a penalty all to no avail but moments later Rusty picked up a loose ball and surged into the box before curling a lovely effort over the keeper and down off the underside ofv the bar. It looked clearly a goal from my position in the River End and thankfully the Lino was well up with play and made the correct decision. We looked a different team after this and some decent moves began to flow at last. Lappin whipped over another accurate corner from the right and there was the Admiral to raise a cheer that could be heard all the way to Burnham Market. It was game over and time for the celebrations to begin in earnest.

MOM had to be The Admiral who has come on in leaps and bounds in the last couple of months. Nobody was a bigger critic than me but credit where its due, he was top class again today.Chris Martin had his best game for some time and went close on two or three occasions. Holty started slowly but became more influencial the longer the game went on. Three quarters of this game was distinctly forgetable but the final 15 minutes and celebrations after more than made up for the previous load of dross.

One more home game to go and that will be League One done and dusted. Hopefully for a very long time.


[/quote]

My sentiments exactly, Ricardo.

[The Butler 0]

Thanks Ricardo, as usual yours is the first report for me and the best "fans eye" view.

Could do with a drop of that Peroni at the moment mate!

 

[pennywise 0]

rubbish ricardo.. you need to up your game next season  [:)]

[Gingerpele 0]

Great report once again :D