Southern Amateur League 4-1 Arthurian League, Old Wilsonians FC, Weds Mar 8^th 2006

After two fine performances prior to Christmas and the unfortunate postponement of the Cambridge University match due to the weather, the Arthurian League Representative side resumed their fixture list with one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the season: the tie against the Southern Amateur League, this year played at Old Wilsonians ground in Kent in honour of the club`s recent anniversary.

As usual, the afternoon kick-off provided its usual headaches in terms of player availability and consequently the Arthurians travelled with a squad of just twelve players, two of whom were making their debuts for the side: Forest striker George Wilson and Winchester centre half Mark Toone.

Indeed, Wilson was the only recognised forward in the squad and coupled with the knowledge that the SAL are one of the few remaining teams to play a 3-5-2 formation, the visitors started the match with a 4-5-1 formation, Wilson the lone target man supported by Lederman on the left and Warner on the right. The midfield trio consisted of Molloy, Marshall and O`Brien, with the mountainous presence of Gordon Baker dominating a back four made up of himself, club comrade Mark Toone and full-backs Billy French and Piers Bourke. Lancing`s James Butcher retained his place in goal, with Malvernian Tom James on the bench.

For long spells of the first half the Arthurian tactics seemed to be working to perfection. Denied any space in midfield and with Lederman and Warner restricting the SAL wing-backs from coming forward, the home side were forced to resort to drilling long balls over the top of the Arthurian defence, rarely troubling `keeper James Butcher.

The only controlled possession the home side did manage was inside their own half and barring a couple of corners, there was little threat posed to the Arthurian goal.

In attack, the combination of Warner and French began to cause some serious problems down the right hand side and the pace and forceful running of the pair soon forced a series of corners and free-kicks from which chances began to arrive. O`Brien and Lederman alternated delivering the set-pieces and Baker and Molloy both went close with efforts.

Lederman and Bourke were quieter down the Arthurian left, although an excellent combination between the former, Matt O`Brien and Rob Marshall nearly set Wilson clean through on goal. O`Brien looked busy all half and was at the heart of much of the best Arthurian play with Rob Marshall adding some much-needed steel in the centre of the pitch.

With the visitors unquestionably in the ascendancy it was a surprise therefore when they fell behind just a minute before the break. A clearance out of the Arthurian defence ricocheted to the SAL right wing-back and his deflected cross to the near post was turned in at full stretch by an attacked, with Butcher stranded. It was an ill-deserved goal but one that did little to dampen Arthurian optimism during half-time.

As soon as the teams kicked off the second half it was noticed that the SAL had abandoned their 3-5-2 formation and changed to the more standard 4-4-2. The Arthurians kept their five-man midfield, but Lederman switched to his favoured right side and Tom James came onto the left wing in place of Nick Warner, who had enjoyed an excellent first half.

After only a couple of minutes play and before either team`s changes could really register, the SAL doubled their advantage thanks to a combination of a defensive slip and a superb finish. A long ball was not properly dealt with by Butcher but his slightly weak clearance was seized upon in no uncertain fashion when it was volleyed back forty yards over his head into the net.

Despite this setback and a fierce start to the half by the SAL, the visitors got the goal back that their first half display more than merited when left-back Piers Bourke seized on a clearance from a corner to drill the ball back like an exocet missile from 25 yards out. Although it was directed straight at the goalkeeper, such was the ferocity of the strike that the ball bounced forwards before spinning back into the net.

Two-one with just over half and hour to play and the game looked set for an exciting final period. Strangely, however, the Arthurian side began to go into its shell having got back into the game.

The midfield dominance the side had enjoyed in the first period was lost and the SAL began to look the stronger side, with their forwards beginning to press the visitors defence into a number of errors. Possession was now being given away cheaply and it was no surprise when the home side extended their advantage with two late goals, the last of which was in the closing moments.

The 4-1 scoreline flattered the SAL, with each side dominating one half of the game, but with the Arthurians restricted by only having one forward available, the home side`s greater arsenal became apparent in the latter stages and a deserved victory was gained.

For the Arthurians there were some excellent performances with debutants Mark Toone and George Wilson proving that they are more than capable of stepping up to a higher level - Wilson looked especially promising given that he was asked to lead the line on his own for the vast majority of the game.

Fellow Foresters Billy French and Rob Marshall continued their excellent run of performances for the side and there were also good contributions from Gordon Baker, Nick Warner and Matt O`Brien.

Arthurian League (4-5-1): James Butcher; Billy French, Mark Toone, Gordon Baker, Piers Bourke; Nick Warner (Sub: Tom James, 45`), Paul Molloy, Rob Marshall, Matt O`Brien, David Lederman; George Wilson.

Scorer: Piers Bourke 58`

Arthurian Men-of-the-Match: George Wilson, Rob Marshall.