07/03/2010 - Report by Steve Hill

Report: Universal Windows 1 FC Village 2

The Village got a team together and a double from the returning Spud saw them get back to winning ways as they completed the double over Universal Windows. After failing to field a side in their cup quarter final the Village got a squad of 14 together despite missing Matty S, Jim-Bob and Dava who were all away, Paul who has called it a day for this season after recent events and the long term injured group that includes Stewy, Maggot, Josh, Ritchie, Kano, Mobbs and Chris. With no forwards the team were able to call upon Spud for a run out and he would play a major part in the win.

Down on familiar territory at Levers but on pitch 4 and a much better playing surface than of late the side was glad to be playing again but it took them a while to get in their stride. After Jack had made a couple of early interventions and one instance where he took a nasty knock on the head the side weathered the early pressure and made in roads to the match. From one through ball the very tall Universal keeper made a hash of collecting it on the edge of the area and this gave Spud the opportunity to nip in and slide the ball in to the unguarded net for the opening goal. The side was under some pressure from now until the interval but Beattie swapped with Fletch to move in to the heart of the defence where he would give an M.O.M display. The home side did however have two goals disallowed for offside, one of which everyone thought was a bit dubious so the Village got that bit of luck in that department for once.

Still ahead by that single goal the start of the second half saw the Village once again under some pressure but they looked to be holding firm with Jack and his defence putting in a good show but then when the team failed to clear on the edge of the area the ball was pulled back for a Universal player to sweep home the equalizer. Both sides now went for the winner as the Village started to get their game going again and they came close several times but never really got that clear cut chance they wanted. Then with the match just three minutes from the end the ball was out on the right wing and Jamie sent Danny clear down the wing amid shouts for offside. With no whistle Danny ran clear and in to the box towards the advancing keeper but instead of trying to score himself he unselfishly knocked it to his left into the path of the supporting Spud who gleefully tapped it in to the net for the winner. Sixty seconds later the final whistle went and the Village had gained an important win.

Team Line-up: Hughes(J): Beattie(D), Fletcher, Whorton, Morrell(St)(Watkinson); Beattie(J), Jones, Cottier, Easterbrook, Morrell(Sc); Greenfield
Subs not used:- Hill, Ward

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