An overcast morning and pitch resembling a mudbath could not stop Smithfields charge back to top spot in City Traders Division 2 with a superb 4 3 victory over New Inn.
Technical Director Tony Craig kept faith with a 3-5-2 formation but was forced into a change at the back with star centre half Ben Clarke joining Mark Stanway on the injury table following corrective surgery to a long standing shoulder problem. Shaun James slotted into the back 3 to make his first start of the season and hopefully lay down a marker for his continued inclusion in the starting XI
Smithfield did not enjoy the first 20 minutes as several players decided this would be the correct time to begin their warm up. As a result Smithfield found themselves 2-0 down after 25 minutes with New Inn taking full advantage of the poor pitch a lethargic defensive effort. Hope was offered on 33 minutes when Smithfields top scorer Rob Evans found himself unmarked at the far post and smashed the ball home from 10 yards.
On 39 minutes a little bit of club and Sunday League history was made by Captain Paul Joey Seymour as he scored the 250th goal of his long and illustrious career. A fine cross from the right hand side was met by the head of Damien Askey whos flick on found Seymour at the back post who put the ball in the back of the net with a picture perfect diving header. The manner of the goal was most appropriate as Seymour lifted his shirt to reveal a Superman t-shirt. Our congratulations and best wishes go to Seymour on this momentous occasion.
Half Time Score
Smithfield Firestarters 2 2 New Inn
Technical Director Tony Craig and Director of Football Tom Plant provided a team talk that will surely go down in folklore as Smithfield started the second half like a runaway train. Good chances were created for both Dean Hickin and Matt Craig but excellent defending and goalkeeping from New Inn denied both players. One player not to be denied was the excellent Evans who doubled his tally for the day with sweet drive to the top left corner from an acute angle following a fine solo run. This gave Smithfield the lead for the first time in the match and was extended only seconds later as a lazy New Inn kick off back to their goalkeeper allowed Seymour to stride through the defence, pick up a ball slowing down in the mud, round the keeper and put the ball into the back of an empty net.
This put Smithfield 4-2 up with over 30 minutes to play against an opposing side who always looked a threat down the wings. Excellent work from the much improved Ian Stanway allowed Smithfield to soak up the pressure as he made a string of fine saves and commanded the box like the Stanway of old. What he could not command was the conditions as on 73 minutes as defensive-midfield lynchpin Hickin lost his footing on the muddy pitch and allowed the New Inn No.8 a simple one on one chance which left Stanway with no chance to make the score 4-3
A tactical switch on 78 minutes by Technical Director Tony Craig allowed Nigel Fordham his first action in 3 weeks following a stay in hospital for a rumbling appendix. He replaced a tiring James which forced a minor re-shuffle with Askey dropping back to centre half and Forham taking up position on the right wing
Both teams continued to press and take advantage of the poor conditions but without success. This match was a fine example of 22 players having fun and playing attacking football for 90 minutes despite terrible conditions, for which they should be praised.
Final Score
Smithfield Firestarters 4 3 New Inn
Man of the Match
Little doubt here with Seymour picking up the honour following his record breaking brace. Super goals from a Superman who no doubt enjoyed his champagne!
Donkey of the Day
A full house of votes for Dean Hickin following his awful slip to set up a nervy last 15 minutes as most Smithfield players thought it was 3-3.
Reporters Thoughts
A brilliant and gritty comeback by Smithfield puts them deservedly at the top of the table but....
1) When will our goalkeeper learn to kick the ball in the first half ? (2nd was superb though)
2) Will Rob Evans get near Tom Plants goalscoring record?
3) Can Matt Craig find his shooting boots?
4) Where were the rest of the subs?
Clark Kent Reporter-in-Chief
The Smithfield FC Forum » Smithfield Echo
Match Report - New Inn 2nd December
(7 posts)-
Stanners
OfflineRetiredPosted 2 years ago # -
Damo
OfflineCentre BackThis gave Smithfield the lead for the first time in the match and was extended only seconds later as a lazy New Inn kick off back to their goalkeeper allowed Seymour to stride through the defence, pick up a ball slowing down in the mud, round the keeper and put the ball into the back of an empty net.
Wasn't this the goal where i closed down every player that got the ball, blocked the defenders clearance and deflected the goalkeepers clearance for Joey to tap it in?
Apart from that, this Kent guy has got one hell of a memory!Posted 2 years ago # -
maskdogg
OfflineStrikerwell done joey keep it goin tho yeah we need lot more.oh yeah wot bout the fat pudding punchin me in the eye.if i was the goalkeeper ud have mentioned it shock no love in the camp its maskdoggs bday 2day thanks for all the best wished boys appreciated yea rate atleast in prison they appreciated me. lol am wrecked i quitPosted 2 years ago # -
tom plant
OfflineAssistant Managerhappy birthday mask
ps are you old enough to pay subs yetPosted 2 years ago # -
the gaffer
OfflineManagerHappy Birthday Mask
I bet you had a cake in Prison as well.Posted 2 years ago # -
the gaffer
OfflineManagerGood match report but i don't think this Kent reporter guy has a good memory at all. He still thiks we're in Division 2. I seem to remember getting promoted to division 1 2 seasons ago (by a 15 point margin if i'm not mistaken)Posted 2 years ago # -
psycho
OfflineRight WingPosted 2 years ago #
![[image]](http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/7880/fayefullercelebration.gif)
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