It's busy on the M25 and chaos at J30 so it took 90 minutes to reach Ship Lane, The Thurrock Hotel, home of Purfleet F.C. Their new clubhouse has been completed since last season which avoids conflicts with weddings in the hotel on a Saturday afternoon, and a very good facility it is too. It needs some memorabilia on the newly decorated walls to give it some character, which will come. We should present them with a pennant or shield or something at games like this to mark the occasion. Spirit of fellowship and all that. But this is football and it's not like that.
Purfleet. With 15 points, they are one behind and one slot below City, in 9th place in the League. They lost at home, 1-0, to The Woood on Saturday while Saints will be looking to bounce back and remain in contact with the front-runners after Saturday's defeat by the impressive Canvey Island.
The Dynamic Duo have a worrying injury list depleting their small squad and although I brought my boots just in case, I was not required as they selected Wilmot in goal; 4 (yes 4!) at the back: Honeyball, Moran, Brown and Rattle; 5 in the midfield, Wraight, Fenton, Metcalf, Hyatt and Smith; and up front Martin who was supported in attack by Smith and Fenton. Nearly a Christmas
tree formation. It's a bit complicated but it worked on the night. On the bench were Ferguson, Linighan and Cook. In the stand were the walking wounded: Ansell, Campbell, Nabil, Bignal and Evans.
Saints had the better of the early exchanges with Metcalf, Smith and Martin unable to convert half-chances in the first 15 minutes and against the run of play, Purfleet took the lead when the skipper, Mcpharlane, headed a cross straight to the ground to bounce over Wilmot into the net. (I never believe that they really intend to do that, it's a mis-head). 1-0. City pressed but whilst ahead on points at the break, Purfleet were a goal to the good. H.T. 1-0.
Early in the second half, the out-of-sorts Honeyball was replaced by Ferguson for his League debut who looked the part. The Saints were playing attractive football, orchestrated by the very impressive Hyatt in midfield. Using the whole of the pitch they spread the ball and stretched the home defence. A flowing move from right to left of the midfield, a break and cross by Rattle, helped on by Smith and the equaliser came from Metcalf. 1-1.
Chances were being created and midway through the half Martin ended a goal mouth scramble with a tap-in from a yard out. 1-2. Brown took a knock and was replaced by Linighan. Several half-chances came as a result of very good attacking play from midfield but we couldn't put the game away. On 90
minutes, from a free-kick wide on their left, Mcpharlane scored his second with a 'free-header'. 2-2. F.T.
Saints played very good football tonight, the best of the season, particularly in the second half. Skillful, flowing, pacy but not rushed. It was good to watch. My MotM was Hyatt but they all played their part. Thay had the chances to make the game safe, and will be very disappointed that Purfleet got out of jail at the end. A good game to watch. 'Fleet were disappointing. Not a lot of skill from the home team, just honest effort. The keeper looked sound. I guess the attendance was 250/260 with 90 or so
Travelling City Faithful.
Entertainment 8/10. Atmosphere 6/10. Technical Merit 8/10. Referee 7/10.
Next up. Away next Saturday at high-flying, second-placed Gravesend & Northfleet. Around the M25 again but this time that bridge to negotiate. Two stiff tests. (The game and the bridge). Next Tuesday, September 25th, we return to Clarence Park for the visit of Enfield F.C., k.o. 7.30.
Report by Awayday |
