"Abbotts" defrocked

2018 off to a good start

ue to storm damage at “Capershotts” the original fixture was reversed to become the first home game of 2018.

On a dull day a decent crowd of 117 saw a dull opening half an hour – lots of endeavour but little quality on the soft surface.

But slowly the home side sprung to life.

Steve Brown headed wide then Michael Murray fizzed in a corner that was punched away. Lee O’Leary hit a firm strike over the bar then good interplay between Chris Doyle and Michael Murray saw Doyle whip in a cross that was met by Eoin Casey but his firm effort cleared the bar. And then Casey made room but again could not find the target.

But on 42 mins the ‘Scholars’ stuck with a typical corner from Michael Murray that was headed home at the far post by Sean Grace.

HT 1-0

The second half again started slowly and the visitors saw more of the ball but were unable to get past the reliable home defence.

Chris Doyle was pushed more forward and had two efforts on goal saved or deflected for a corner. And Eoin Casey again created space but could not beat the keeper.

Another corner on 79 mins saw Steve Brown head home at the far post from a Michael Murray corner to settle any nerves.

With full time approaching again Eoin Casey bore down on the keeper but could not score but he made amends on 90 mins this time when put through by Chris Doyle beating the keeper to secure a third for the ‘Scholars’ and end his own "goal drought".

A solid performance all over the pitch, especially at the back and keeper Berkley Laurencin will not have had a quieter afternoon.

So the 'Scholars' are well positioned in sixth place.

FT 1-3

Team: Berkley Laurencin, Chris Doyle, Andy Lomas, Lee O’Leary (Carl Pearce 83 mins), Steve Brown, Sean Grace, Gilberto Abril (Billy Baird 60 mins), Jordan Lawal, Michael Murray (Darren Brown-Merrick 88 mins), Eoin Casey, Sandro Costa

Unused subs: Femi Ogunsola, David Sota

Goal scorers: Sean Grace, Steve Brown and Eoin (I will score) Casey

Man of the match: Jordan Lawal – immense in midfield.