After back-to-back victories at The Park, it's back on the road, 20 minutes down the A1 to local rivals Borehamwood this evening. Woood. Division 1 Champions last season, with former Saints, 'Big' Lee Harvey, Noel Imber, Junior Campbell and Andy Polston. Graham Roberts was Manager of the Season last term.
Roberts, Imber and Campbell are gone but the new Manager is Jimmy Gilligan, formerly assistant to David Platt at Forest. He should know a bit. With money in the bank from lucrative pre-season friendlies and a healthy cash-flow from their clubhouse facilities, they will be a stiff test in The Premier League this season. They have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1 so far and are in the mid-table pack with The Saints.For tonight, The Dynamic Duo selected Wilmot in goal, 3 at the back: Goddard, Brown(C), and Campbell; 5 in the midfield: Wraight, Fenton, Evans, Rattle and Smith; and up front: Nabil and Martin. On the bench were Moran, Honeyball and
Hyatt. In the stand were Ansell (injured), Metcalf, Bignall and Linighan.
A lively start from both sides but City were the more threatening as The
Woood strikers were either well policed by The Saints back 3 or were below par, or perhaps both. On 15 minutes, Wraight hit a super long cross from the right and Nabil left his marker to glance a header past the keeper. Fine goal. 0-1. City were on top for the rest of the first-half, several chances were created but not converted and the home side were restricted to a couple
of long shots, comfortably dealt with by Wilmot. A few minutes before half-time Rattle was fouled and the home player was instantly despatched by the referee for stamping. H.T. 0-1.
To their credit, Woood started the second half positively and The City defence was on the back-foot. It would be wrong to say that we were under siege but, certainly, Borehamwood had the balance of the play. They were first to the ball in midfield and finding gaps at the back. The final ball couldn't quite reach the strikers, however and Wilmot looked busy but comfortable. Saints created chances and both Martin and Nabil were frustrated by the keeper. Midway through the half, Nabil was brought down in the box by Harvey, Smith and Fenton debated which would take the kick, Fenton won but the keeper guessed right and saved the side-footed spot kick low to his right. It should have been Smith. Woood came back strongly for the rest of the game and they won the second half on points. Hyatt came on for Evans. The linesman fell to the amusement of the crowd, but sprained his knee and the game was stopped for 8 or 9 minutes while a replacement was found. An anxious last few minutes followed but City held out. F.T. 0-1.
Three wins on the bounce, up into the top 6, City will be delighted. After the celebrations, however, they should take a long hard look at the midfield, and also recognise that chances must be taken in front of goal. Borehamwood will be disappointed to get nothing from the game in view of their spirited
second half performance. They impressed me and I predict top-half this season. A good game for the neutrals in the crowd which I'd guess to be around 300 with 140 Travelling City Faithful.
Entertainment 7/10. Atmosphere 5/10. Technical Merit 5/10. Referee 7/10.
Next up. Away at Rob Howath's Sutton United on Saturday, and then at home next Tuesday, September 11th, versus Basingstoke Town, k.o. 7.30.
Report by Awayday |
