Gedling Southbank A — Sat 23 Feb 2008

Match report

Half time: 1 – 0

After suffering four injuries in the previous weeks encounter with Ruddington, Samba's patched up side entertained Gedling Southbank, the team directly below them in the league. Gibbons and Doughty were passed fit and Shelton made his first start of the season. In the first 10 minutes of the game Samba exerted their authority but had a tendency to hit too many long passes which with the wind behind them lacked accuracy. The first real chance of the game feel to G.Taylor following a cross from Doughty but his header was wide of the post. At the other end GSB did not look threatening, save one occasion when the Samba centre backs were split but the striker dragged his shot wide. A few minutes later Samba took the lead. Bassett played a good firm ball to Francis' feet. He spinned the last defender before shooting across the goalkeeper for 1-0 and an excellant opening goal. The goal gave Samba confidence and their passing and possession of the football improved. In terms of clear chances though, GSB managed to keep it to a minimum, with the best opportunity for Samba to extend their lead saw Francis blaze over the angle of bar and post and clearing the back wall for good measure. The loss of another matchball, together with a missed chance resulted in a frown from the Chairman. As the half time whistle blew Samba only had the one goal to show for their dominance and knew that they had to be on their guard in the second half.

With the wind at GSB's backs and kicking down the slope, Samba knew the 2nd half would be more difficult than the first. The first 10 minutes saw Samba struggle to get out of their half, with GSB forcing them back, without creating any real opportunities. Shelton had to be alert to squeeze out the GSB striker in the box but apart from this, Ballard's goal was not threatened. Samba were struggling to clear their lines, with the exception being a massive kick from Ballard which set G.Taylor racing through. The goalkeeper was favourite but missed his kick and G.Taylor gratefully converted by sliding the ball in from 20yds for 2-0. The goal came at an important time for Samba as they were under pressure. The second goal seemed to signal the end of any threat from GSB and Samba agained started to play some good football. Bassett played a good ball into the channel, which Francis turned into an excellant pass through his willing running. He committed the last defender before rolling the ball across the 6yd box for the incoming Loach to tap home Samba's third and put the game beyond doubt. The goal was not Loach's only contribution as he was involved in an off the ball incident which incensed some of GSB's players but the referee did not see the incident and therefore could only calm the situation down. Samba grabbed a fourth goal with E.Taylor feeding G.Taylor (no relation) inside the box. G.Taylor turned and hit a left foot shot which seemed to spin up off the defender and it finished up in the far corner of the net. It had been a pleasing performcance, a good result and the 4 goals and a clean sheet with the icing on the cake for Samba as they moved back into 2nd place.