Elmstead are a hard working, good footballing team and came out of the blocks, playing 2 quick strikers high, hitting early balls forward for them to chase up the pitch which we just couldn’t deal with and luckily for us, an early penalty was hit against the post by Lekan Bakare. We started to play a little better following this and Howlett then forced the elmstead keeper into a good save from a tight angle after getting in behind the defence. Moments later however, Elmstead took the lead following a long throw into our box where the striker easily turned and hit a low shot into the corner. 1 nil quickly turned into 2 when another direct ball seemed to split our defence for the striker to run through clear on goal and score. HT 2-0 down and some harsh words were needed.
We came out 2nd half rejuvenated and early on 3 changes were made which seemed to ignite us. We were pressing high and creating chances. McGinty was played in by Evans and although his initial shot was saved, he followed up to score and pull one back. Moments later a free kick inside the Elmstead half was delightfully put in by Evans and debutant Alvin Turyatemba rose highest to glance his header past the onrushing keeper to draw the game level. We were now in control and looking likely to go on and score more, the introduction of pace out wide of Alvin and Joe Cooper was working and the effort all round missing from the first half had been found.
However, all our good work was soon to be undone as on the 75th minute, Bakare was put through on our goal, and although he seemed to be offside the flag was not raised. Bishop came off his line to meet the ball but Bakare was slightly quicker and nicked it past him only to be caught by Bishop and so a penalty was awarded. Of course, with plenty of time remaining my thoughts on getting something out of the game did not diminish as we had been so much the better team for the 2nd half, even if Elmstead scored their 2nd penalty of the day, I believed we would still have enough to push on and come away with at least a point. A red card was shown to Matt Bishop though which changed that completely. Both clubs and the supporters seemed astonished at the decision. The recent rule changes have since meant that if a player is denied a goal scoring opportunity by an opposing player making an offence when trying to play the ball then a penalty Is awarded of course but only a caution is shown. I could go on here but unfortunately it will not change what happened. Mirrlees took the gloves and was beaten from the penalty. With 10 men for the remaining 15 mins we showed good character and Ray Knight should have scored but ultimately the decision hindered us and Elmstead scored 2 more goals in the final 5 mins to record a somewhat emphatic 5-2 win and not a true reflection on the game. Regardless of the referees decision though, our poor first half showing was where the game was lost and it something we need to put right ASAP.