Subject:  Dee Miller match report |
Author:
Tyler Durden
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Date Posted: 23:30:58 12/11/03 Thu
Dee Miller 3 - Chester City ISA 1
Hoole Park - Sunday 23rd November 2003
Coming off the back of a positive 2-2 draw away at the Egerton Arms the lads arrived at Hoole Park to play a Dee Miller side who were potential title winners. It was also noted that the days opponents had thrashed MBNA 7-0, the same score MBNA beat us by. While a cricket score could well have been expected, the ISA were determined to give their all and make the Miller fight for any result. And I think we did. Squad wise, Ditchfield was still without 'keeper Dave Ellis and so played Coleman between the sticks. He was fortunate enough to have defensive pairing Painter and Wellings available, although midfielder Brazier was placed at left back filling in for Coleman. The midfield was composed of Reynolds and Nev Mann on the wings, with Steve Mann and Alman in the centre. The continued abscence of Howell meant that Ditchfield once more played himself upon front with Edwards.
Despite what was inevitabley going to be a very tough game, it was surprisingly the ISA who started the brighter of the two teams. Good work down the flanks by Reynolds, coupled with the running of Edwards and movement of Ditchfield, allowed for some early success. It was clear the opposition were made up of some talented players, and Painter and Wellings struggled manfully to defend against the Miller number 11. Also causing problems was the Miller's big centre midfield player, and it was clear they would be a hard outfit to prevent scoring, but the ISA showed early resolve and took the game to their highflying opponents. Unfortunately it wasn't enough and it was the Dee Miller who broke the deadlock. A break allowed the ball to be slid into the ISA box. As Coleman moved out to collect, the Miller player took it round him and passed it into the empty net. The ISA rallied, sticking to the appraoch that attack is the best form of defence, and again caused problems in the Miller box. Reynolds won a free kick that Ditchfield flighted in, the 'keeper just managing to hold onto. Numerous corners were won and it was the ISA who were on top. Disaster struck when we conceded a penalty with about 10 minutes left in the half, Brazier clipping the Miller striker as he sought to get a cross in. The same player picked himself up and slotted home for 2-0. Again the ISA responded well and as the ref blew for half time, there was a genuine feeling we were unlucky to be two down.
With Wellings showing signs of injury at half time [doesn't he always?], Ditchfiled switched him for James Davies, moving Nev Mann in at centre back, Davies going onto the right. With Alman also showing signs of tiredness, he swapped positions with Brazier. For the first 20 minutes the ISA goal was under seige as we struggled to contain the Dee Miller. Good work by the impressive Miller number 11 [who deservedly took their MOM award] caused problems as they sought to increase their lead. Pegged back, the ISA showed some new found resolve and held the home team at bay, defending admirably. Even Coleman, sometimes dismissed as being simply cover in goal, showed his quality with two outstanding saves, one being when the Miller number 11 had beat the offside trap. In an effort to turn the tide back in the ISA's favour, Ditchfield switched Reynolds to right midfield, putting James Davies on the left. This showed dividends almost immediately as the ISA began to take advantage of the tiring Miller defenders, especially right back Captain Caveman. A period of ISA pressure followed and through corners won and generall good play, were were soon within touching disctance of a draw. A corner was floated in by Ditchfield was cleared straight back into his path. Taking his time, he curled the ball into the opposition six yard bard. Up stepped Steve Mann to slot the ball home. Game on. The ISA continued to press and were looking the most likely to score when a Miller breakaway enabled them to re-establish their 2 goal lead. Undeterred the ISA fought back, and despite some good efforts - most notably a Reynolds' that was tipped over the bar - the game ended 3-1.
Even though the ISA tasted defeat it was with a sense of pride that the lads left the field. It was mentioned by the Miller manager that the game one one of their most hard fought victories and I don't think there would have been too much argument if it had ended level. All in all a very good performance despite the result.
Tyler Durden
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