Narrow 2-1 defeat - Albion show more desire and give high flyers tough test.

16 February 2009

On Saturday Albion 1^st team faced high flying West Didsbury at home. Albion had several changes to the line up, including 2 debuts, moved up from the reserves.

The team started brightly, and should have seen themselves at least 2 goals up, when in typical ‘Shoot your self in the foot fashion’, Albion gave a sloppy goal away, when a Green backpass proved to much to handle for keeper Bowley, resulting in the West Dids forward pinching the ball and slotting into an empty net. 0-1.

To their credit Albion kept going, creating several chances and finally had something to cheer when from the edge of the box Neary sent a powerful low shot into the bottom corner. 1-1. With seconds left before half time Albion should have seen themselves in the lead, but Trainor failed to convert with just the keeper to beat.

The second half saw good end to end action, with both teams missing opportunities. Finally pressure told and the visitors took the lead, with some sloppy defending by Dean. 1-2.

Albion fought hard to get back into the game, and was unlucky on 1 or 2 occasions, the visitor’s keeper making a fine save from a Jenkins effort. Luck proved against Albion once more when a curling Neary free kick hit the inside of the post, rolled right across the goal, and somehow went safe.   

The game ended 2-1 to the visitors.

Manager McGuire said: “The team showed much more effort and enthusiasm today, the new lads who came in from the reserves did well also. With a little luck and a bit more desire we would have won this game. We need to adopt this approach to all the remaining games and I think we’ll start to pick up points”.

Man of the Match : A Williams

Source: Paul McGuire