Comprehensive return to winning ways

The rain relented and a sometimes sunny but sometimes dull afternoon saw the ‘Scholars’ with a spring in their step and a dominating performance in front of a crowd of 124.

The ‘Scholars’ were soon into their stride.

Lee O’Leary crossed in for Michael Murray to head on for Ben Ward-Cochrane to fire a good shot forcing a save from their keeper. Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes then made the first of many tantalising runs down the left cutting in to provide Ben Ward-Cochrane with another opportunity that the keeper pushed over the bar.

So it was no surprise when the home side took the lead on 8 mins when Chris Doyle fired home through a crowd of players - with the help of a deflection - after continued pressure on the visitors.

Ben Ward-Cochrane then found Michael Murray but his firm strike was blocked. George Nicholas played in Chris Doyle but his shot was straight at the keeper.

But it was not one way traffic and the Dockers were lively going forward forcing a couple of good but straight forward saves from Berkeley Laurencin.

Dominance needed more to show for it and on the stroke of half time an unnecessary push on Ben Ward-Cochrane on the edge of the box eventually saw the referee point to the spot. 'Mr. Cool' Michael Murray calmly found the right hand corner with a trade mark penalty to give the home side breathing space at half time.

The second half was a continuation of the first with the 'Scholars’ in control.

Sandro Costas Dias Fernandes cut in from the left and saw his firm shot rebound of the left hand post but Ben Ward-Cochrane could not find the target connecting with the rebound.

Michael Murray found Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes on the wing who put a low cross through the six yard box but no one could get a touch.

It was three on 77 mins when a typical Michael Murray free kick thundered against the cross bar but Sean Grace was on hand to head in the rebound.

Another good save from Berkley Laurencin - who was determined to keep a clean sheet.

It was four on 82 mins when a ball from the left was played across the edge of the box for Chris Doyle, coming in from the right, to hit a first time screamer, from some twenty-five yards, that gave the keeper no chance.

From a ball from Andrew Lomas, Steve Brown headed against the bar as the ‘Scholars’ finished the game as they started it - well on top.

A satisfying team performance - confirming their playoff spot.

Team: Berkley Laurencin, Chris Doyle, Andrew Lomas, Lee O’Leary (Billy Baird 84 mins), Steve Brown, Sean Grace, George Nicholas, Jordan Lawal, Ben Ward-Cochrane (Femi Ogunsola 84 mins), Michael Murray (Ryan Forde 84 mins) Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes

Subs (not used): Carl Pearce, James Budden.

Man of the Match: Chris Doyle – purposeful performance and one cracker of a goal.

Updated 11:55 - 31 Aug 2019 by Jeff Barnes