Kirton Brickworks — Sat 19 Feb 2011

Match report

Half time: 0 – 1

Samba travelled north for an away fixture at Kirton looking to put together successive league victories for the first time since April. Francis returned to the attack, partnering G.Taylor and Bassett made his first league start of the season at wing-back. Gibbons started on the bench. The game was only moments old when the first controversial incident occurred. Gamba launched into a full blooded and suspiciously two-footed tackle on the Kirton man, and although he got some of the ball, the Kirton players were incredulous when the experienced referee only awarded a yellow. Kirton were in the ascendency in the opening period, though hardly troubling Nicholls in the Samba goal. The Sandboys were sluggish and their sloppy start was punished when Wilkinson's pass within his own half was cut out, and Samba never recovered. The ball was laid back from the Kirton right and swept past Nicholls for 1-0. On a large pitch Samba were not getting men forward quick or often enough and posed their biggest threat from set pieces, with C.Taylor unable to convert what appeared to be a free header. Kirton didn't really look like adding to their lead in what was a poor game in filthy weather conditions. Samba's best chance of the half came shortly before half-time. A run from the otherwise quiet Francis in the inside right channel saw him square the ball for Bassett. He dug out a cross for G.Taylor whose header was too close to the Kirton keeper.

At half-time Gibbons was dissatisfied at best and thought the best way to get his point across was to throw himself into the action. It had an almost immediate effect with Samba's passing improving and they looked much more of a threat. The pressure was mounting on the Kirton goal with every passing minute and it finally told when Gibbons threaded Francis through and he slid the ball past the keeper for 1-1. At this stage of the game there only looked one winner and Bassett missed an opportunity to give Samba the advantage when Francis laid on a chance 16yds from goal. Perhaps a little over excited Bassett fired wide at the near post, when a shot across the keeper was clearly the option. Gibbons continued to cause problems and Wilford rued his luck when his shot was blocked by the defender as he burst into the box. As the second half wore on Kirton came back into the match a little and will wonder how they failed to force the ball over the line when twice Samba blocked efforts from close range. The Kirton man was booked for a late and high challenge on Nicholls towards the end of the game, as both sides pressed for a winner. However the match ended all square which didn't really suit either side but Samba could be pleased with their second half display if not equally disappointed with their first half performance.