Kirton Brickworks — Sat 22 Dec 2007

Match report

Half time: 2 – 0

Samba went into this top of table clash with Kirton high on confidence after a run of 3 straight victories. Kirton were on an even better run after 5 wins on the trot had propelled them to the summit of the division. Samba welcomed back Boughton and Sharp at the heart of the defence but Gibbons missed out after picking up an injury in the win at Bottesford. Samba started the game with intent and purpose and Kirton really struggled to get to grips with Samba's movement in the opening exchanges. The first chance fell to Wilford when Taylor flicked him in with a superb lay off but as Wilford tried to lob the keeper he was quick off his line and he managed to smother it. It was all Samba and Francis had a great opportunity to open the scoring but again was denied by the Kirton keeper who looked set to have a busy afternoon. Samba piled on the pressure and came closer and closer to scoring. First a Kirton defender sliced a cross onto his own bar and then just a few minutes later a Kirton defender made a superb block on the line. Still Samba pressed and when the ball feel at Lucas' feet in the box he rounded the keeper but again a Kirton man was on the line and he fell onto the ball to prevent Samba taking the lead. With Samba forwards rushing in for the rebound the Kirton man did the only thing he could to prevent the ball going into the net - he simply laid on top of the ball. This produced an inevitable loss of tempers with Samba frustrated at the blatant obstruction and Kirton furious with Samba players for trying to force the ball over the line. As the referee tried to get control a Kirton defender lost it, aiming punches at Lucas and Boughton. The referee had no option but to send off the Kirton man and they would play with 10 for the remaining 60 minutes. The game was restarted with a drop ball wehich was deflected out for a corner. This wasn't the only card shown during a competitive first half with both Kirton forwards picking up yellows and Hill also going into the book. With so many missed chances, combined with good saves and last ditch defending Samba could have lost heart but thankfully they didn't and their reward was soon in coming. Bassett picked up a loose ball 30yds out and swung in a cross which Francis in one movement controlled and made the space to take him away from the defebder and he slotted past the keeper to give Samba a richly deserved lead. As is often the case once the breakthrough has been made a second followed shortly afterwards,with Hill flicking on a ball from the right and Francis made full use of the pace on the ball to loop his header over the outstretched hand of the keeper for 2-0. It had been a throughly satisfactory first half for Samba and they took a 2 goal and 1 man lead into the break.

Samba started the second half well continuing their high tempo game and getting in amongst the Kirton players. Taylor and Francis were causing plenty of problens with their movement upfront and Kirton struggled to get out of their half. However, about 15minutes into the second period Samba started to lull and the play got a bit sloppy with misplaced passes and not the same intensity to their play. Kirton in this period enjoyed greater possession and could play higher up the pitch but bar one shot which went narrowly over Ballard's angle of post and crossbar, they did not seriously trouble Samba. Samba were still creating chances and Boughton went close from corners on three occasions. The best opportunity saw a deep Francis cross to the back post pushed goalwards by Elton but the Kirton keeper continued his excellant afternoon by keeping out the shot. As the game entered into its last 10 minutes it was evident that game was won. Hawkins playing in an advanced right midfield role following Elton coming off injured had a good penalty shout but it was not given and Hawkins had to retire from the game himself moments later. As the final whistle blew it had been another excellant afternoon for Samba who leapfrogged Kirton and awaited news of Arnold Longbows result to see if they would be top of the tree at Christmas.