Back to league action and with last week's District Cup exit now last weeks chip paper, the lads couldnt wait to put Fridays total football training session into effect. The Gold Men travelled to Burrows Hill (via Norley Road) to face local rivals, Cuddington.
Many thanks to Anthony and the Cuddington setup for providing the usual sporting reception and an excellent venue and pitch giving both teams the best chance of playing some decent pass and move football.
Cheered on by a bumper away crowd, and full of confidence, Davenham took their short pass game to Cuddington and from the off, looked to pen their opposition into their own half. The in form duo of Whitney and Kirkness set the scene for the rest of the match by dominating all play through the middle of the park and time after time setting up the Davenham attack. Drinkwater and Rogerson both went close, before inevitably Kennerley created space and rifled a well struck drive past the Cuddington stopper. 1:0 to the Davenhamers, but no easing off as 3 league points were still there to be won. Rogerson, Greenwood, Wadsworth, Lonsdale and Forster all linked up well down the flanks and there were many 4 and 5 pass moves which ensured the Cuddington midfield were kept extremely busy; Whitney continued to be a threat, with two well struck attempts, before Wadsworth made his 7th assist of the season to set up a lively Kennerley, who drove low with his right foot. A brace for the Davenham hotshot and a cushioned lead for Davenham. The energetic Rogerson made excellent space down the right and fed an inch perfect pass to Drinkwater, who steered his shot just past the post. Whitney and Kirkness continued to snap into tackles, ensuring Davenhams first half dominance and the Gold men continued to look extremely dangerous from their corners. Hill joined the attack and went extremely close with two half chances from Whitney corners. It looked only a matter of time before Davenham would add to their first half tally and a 25 yard inch perfect pass from Full Force Forster, found Kennerley who completed his first half hatrick. Heaword and Stitch provided some real quality on the ball and typified an excellent first half for Davenham, 3:0 up and the travelling army were entertained with plenty of energy and importantly great pass and move football.
Come the second half, Davenham continued to take the game to Cuddington and Whitney and The Hitman Kirkness continued to break up all the Cuddington midfield play. The referee awarded the Gold machine a penalty as Rogerson was felled, which was subsequently well saved by the Cuddington keeper and moments later Rogerson leapt to nod a header into the back of the net; This time the referee blew for an infringement unlucky Joe, you couldnt have done more.
With all the play still in the Cuddington half, Whitney struck an absolutely thunderous drive which smashed against the crossbar (apologies from Davenham, if theres any damage to the woodwork! ;0)) and Hill sliced a half volley inches over before Kirkness found Kennerley who added his fourth and was promptly rested from the game with the match won. Davenham eased back with the game won, but there was still plenty of time left for more action. Hill broke up a rare Cuddington attack before Wadsworth slid in to prevent an excellent scoring opportunity for Cuddington. Lonsdale entertained with great footwork and confidence, dribbling past three players out of defence, before Buzzer Burrows fired a vicious shot just wide as Davenham continued to find numerous scoring opportunities. Antrobus commanded a freekick and from 25 yards out he hit a Beckhamesque shot beyond the keeper into the top corner and provided the sideline with the biggest smile of the day well done Sam, youre a star, keep on smiling mate!!!
The game finished 5:0 to the league leaders, but lets also recognise our defensive play too. Whitney and Kirkness were simply awesome in central midfield breaking up all play, while the usual suspects backed by Wallwork, continue to provide the meanest defence in the league. Kennerley scored four (thats 21 for the season), Wadsworth leads the assists, but the popular Forster took MOTM for his all round play and support of the team. Nice One Dan and may the force be with you!!
WHAT ANOTHER OUTSTANDING MATCH REPORT FROM CHRIS HOW DOES THIS MAN REMEMBER ALL THE FACTS WITHOUT THE USE OF A NOTE PAD !! NOT ONLY A GREAT COACH BUT A BRILLIANT JOURNALIST
