A frustrating afternoon

A crowd of 118 on a hot and sunny spring day saw the home side determined to get a point in their fight for survival as the ‘Scholars’ seemed off the pace after their efforts of Thursday night.

This encounter was a contrast to the previous game - low intensity – but also low on quality – with neither side dominating the game.

A Michael Murray free kick from a central position was hit hard but just past the left hand post. A corner from the same player found James Budden at the far post but his downward header was scrambled away by the keeper. Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes was played in from the left but his firm strike was straight at the keeper. A George Nicholas effort was cleared for a corner.

Berkley Laurencin dealt comfortably when needed although there were timely inceptions from the central defence pairing of James Budden and Sean Grace.

The hoped for increased tempo from the visitors did not materialise in the second half.

A low long distance shot from Michael Murray failed to test the keeper. Sandro Costa cut in from the left and his firm shot was pushed away for a corner. A cross from Andy Lomas was met by sub Ben Cochrane-Ward but hit over the bar. Ben got behind their defence from the left and his first effort was parried by the keeper and his follow up cleared by a defender.

Again the ‘Scholars’ had to look to their defensive back four for well timed tackles and despite the hard work from the midfield the visitors never created any fluency to the play. Certainly the home side were often more tenacious and had some half chances and whilst the visitors had more - no one could find the back of the net.

Such is the current mindset of the ‘Scholars’ that this frustrating performance will have disappointed all concerned.

Still second and still all to play for.

Team: Berkley Laurencin, William Wambeek, Andrew Lomas, Lee O'Leary, James Budden, Sean Grace, George Nicholas ( Ben Ward-Cochrane 66 mins), Billy Adcock, Michael Murray, Eoin Casey, Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes

Unused Substitutes: Tom Boxer, Femi Ogunsola, Jordan Lawal, Ronnie Mfinde

Man of the match: Sean Grace

Updated 00:45 - 31 Aug 2019 by Jeff Barnes