1st team unfortunate to lose 3-0 in first home game! - Unlucky in defeat

24 August 2008

The 1st Team got their home campaign off to a disappointing start against Manchester Juniors on Saturday with a 3-0 defeat.

With influential players missing including: Rob Green, Tom Neary, Tom Brookes, Keiran Raynes and Marlon Spence through injury, but we did hand a home debuts to striker Danny Makin, Andy Cunningham and Sam Hayward Shot

Albion buoyed by the fantastic 3-1 win against Standians last Saturday started the brighter side having most of the early possesion with Paul McGuire, Byron Jenkins and Danny Makin causing problems to the Juniors back line. Manchester Juniors came back in to the game and put the Albion under pressure bombarding the back line with crosses but new boys Cunningham and Whyatt standing firm under the pressure. Albion again came back into the game with McGuire and Jenkins linking up superbly with a one two on the edge of the box but McGuire's effort fell straight to the Juniors keeper.

Again Juniors won another corner which was missed by Boley with the Juniors striker hooking it goalwards and Whyatt clearing off line... just like last week the referee had other ideas and gave the goal leaving the players bemused. Albion trailed 1-0 at half time.

McGuire got the team going at half time and Albion came out the stronger side and controlled the early play and most of the second half. But looked open to the counter attack with players pushing for the equaliser Juniors scored a fortuitous second goal when Whyatt half cleared an effort but fell straight back to the Juniors striker who finished well 2-0. Still Albion never gave up and still pushed players forward but to no avail and they were again caught on the counter attack and Juniors made it 3-0. Albion never really looked like creating a clear cut chance without the 5 key players missing.

Just like the first game we picked up injuries to key players including: Danny Makin -Knee and Ste Bradshaw - Thigh.

Managers comments:

"I was very disapointed with Saturday's performance, we never really got started, with little threat going forward and a lack of communication at the back, at best we only deserved a draw. Although a 3-0 score line flattered Juniors. We can play much better than this, and we will need too. All players need to stand up and be counted inorder to get back on track. Hopefully the return of some injured players over the next week or so will help".

Source: Chris Tomkinson