Grey Mare — Sat 14 Mar 2009

Match report

Half time: 0 – 1

Samba entertained high-flying Grey Mare at Burton Road, looking to build on the previous week's success against Gedling Southbank. B.Horton made his first start for the club up front, replacing Brewer who was unavailable, whilst Brunt started in midfield and Wilkinson returned for the injured Sharp. Samba were kicking against the wind and up the slope in the first half and made a slow start to the game. Grey Mare were quicker with the ball and without it and soon started to stretch the Samba defence. The first real chance saw Samba allow too much space on their right and the cross was whipped into the back post. The ball dropped invitingly for the striker and he smashed a shot against the underside of the bar. This was the start of a prolonged period where Grey Mare dominated and created a number of clear cut chances. They were causing particular problems from corners, with excellant delivery to the near post. One header was cleared off the line and it seemed only a matter of time before Grey Mare scored. Other chances came and went, a header hit the outside of the post, whilst two further shots clipped the bar. It was getting to the stage where you expected the effort on goal to hit the woodwork. Grey Mare finally got their goal and it was through a set piece which Samba had been warned about. Another curling corner was met with a glancing header and the men on the line were unable to keep the ball out. Samba improved slowly after the goal but didn't really create any chances. Their passing was sloppy and the front two were feeding on scraps. The chances for Grey Mare had dried up a little and you could sense amongst their players that they felt they needed and deserved a second goal, particularly with the wind behind Samba in the second half. Samba trudged off at half time expecting a rollicking and that is what they deserved.

Samba started the second half in the knowledge that they couldn't get any worse. They set about pinning Grey Mare back into their half, in attempt to apply some pressure. Whilst territorially the game was much more even, Samba couldn't create any chances of note. Grey Mare still looked dangerous and were playing the better football. The game was low on quality but at 1-0 Samba always had a chance. Unfortunately for the home side a mistake from Wilkinson in clearing the ball let the Grey Mare man in, and his finish was emphatic from an acute angle, driving the ball low past Nicholls. At 2-0 down Samba had their first real chance when G.Taylor was put through about 30yds from goal. He lifted his shot but it was blocked by the on-rushing keeper and a strong handball appeal was turned down. Samba seemed to lack ideas whilst at the other end Grey Mare forced Nicholls into a number of good saves. Samba went close with a couple of corners in the dying minutes but the game as a contest looked finished well before the end. There were two obvious conclusions at the end of the game, 1) Grey Mare thoroughly to deserved to win and 2) their no.14 has anger management issues. Samba need to find an improvement and quick.