Spirited fightback from Coopers Blues

Two goals from full-back Tom Bird earns the Blues a late derby 3 points

Rain throughout the whole game did not spoil this thrilling encounter between local rivals. Under new management K’s brought together a number of new players who were familiar with each other having played under Leigh at Whyteleafe.

Early warning of the challenge that lay ahead came in the third minute when Tom Bird cleared off the line following a speedy left wing break by K’s. Both sides pressed hard with chances at either end but the stalemate was broken on 25 minutes when right winger Fiddes popped up on the left with a crisp finish to put K’s ahead. Otherwise the game remained even albeit played at a furious pace. On the stroke of half time a diving save by K’s keeper Tolfrey from Tom Bird frustrated Met efforts to get level.

Seven minutes after half time the game looked over for Met when an uncharacteristic error from keeper Luke Williams allowed the wet ball to squirm through his grip and roll into an empty net to give Gnahore a fortunate goal and K’s a 2-0 lead.
Substitutions by Met saw Bayley Mummery, debutant Zac Newton and Luke Robertson enter the fray. On 78 minutes Robertson stole in at the end of a slick passing movement to finish from close range and give the Met some hope. On 86 minutes Tom Bird made an exhilarating run down the left wing to finish with a stunning cross shot to put Met level and on the 90th minute Bird found himself in a central position in the area following a Met counter attack to win the game for Met with another fine left footed strike.

A good night’s work from Jim Cooper who can congratulate himself on game changing substitutions and a win to take the Met to 2nd place in the Bostik Premier.