MONDAY 27 AUGUST 2007
Blue Square South
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MONDAY 27 AUGUST 2007 Blue Square South |
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After a few nervous first half moments County strolled to a comfortable three points against a Basingstoke side who were unable to sustain their challenge in front of another crowd which crept over the thousand mark, thanks in part to a fair number who had travelled from Hampshire.
County started brightly after the disappointment of the defeat at Hampton two days earlier and Julian Alsop, restored to the side as Craig Hughes switched to the bench, was first to strike with a 20 yard effort which cleared the crossbar with Basingstoke keeper Jonty Ventor backpedalling to cover.
With the visitors including several of last season’s Farnborough team, there were some worries for County who had never won as much as a point from the side demoted from last season’s Conference South for non football reasons. Scott Fitzgerald, who had scored five goals in ‘Stoke’s first four games was on target with a fifth minute header but it lacked the power to trouble Glyn Thompson.
The County keeper earned himself an assist with the opening goal two minutes later when his long kick downfield was flicked on by Alsop to Jason Bowen who in turn picked up a very good run by Charlie Griffin. He fired a shot which rebounded off Ventor and BOWEN was calmness itself as he steadied himself before hitting the target. The Dragons bounced back and it took a quite brilliant block by Damon Searle to deny Ben Wright a 15th minute equaliser and County rode their luck when the rebound was picked up by Ben Wells who should have done better than strike the crossbar.
Wright continued to prove a handful and his close range header on 19th minute was cleared off the line by Steve Jenkins as County continued to look for their rhythm. It returned and Ian Hillier, venturing into rarely visited forward territory was twice close before an excellent move started by Jenkins and finished by NATHAN DAVIES. The lay-off from Griffin was sublime and Davies beat the challenge of Ben Surey to hit an unstoppable effort from 20 yards.
County looked in control now but Searle again came to the rescue with a goalline clearance from Town skipper Jason Bristow in first half stoppage time. The second half was a much quieter affair with goalmouth action at a premium but County played with authority and never looked like conceding. Lee Collier slotted in alongside Davies after replacing Fowler for the final half hour for his first action of the season to give County a more solid shape. Fowler is without doubt a creative talent but he is struggling to settle into the side at the moment and is prone to lose possession.
Lee John and Hughes also made late substitute appearances as the game drifted towards its conclusion with the points secure. Referee Neil Radford officiated with good humour but he intervened far too frequently and his use of the whistle was excessive.
Man of the Match: County: Charlie Griffin (two assists). Basingstoke: Ben Wright (first half handful). |
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© Colin Jeremiah |
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