AFC Bridgford — Sat 15 Mar 2008

Match report

Half time: 1 – 0

Samba travelled to old rivals Bridgford with a patched up side hoping to end the run of succesive defeats. Bruce kept goal, replacing Ballard who was drafted into the midfield, with the surprise selction of the returning Wilford upfront, who had broken his arm just 5 weeks previous. On a tight pitch, Samba set their stall out by being committed and playing a high line. Most of the early play was condensed in the Bridgford half, with Samba snapping into tackles and picking up most of the loose ball. The first chance fell Samba's way with Taylor crossing from the left and Wilford did well to direct his header towards goal, but the angle was against him and he hit the side netting. As the half progressed Bridgford started to compete in midfield but it was Samba who were gaining the territory with Wilford almost being played in on a number of occasions. Bridgford's only real chance of the half came from a break from a Samba corner. Samba were caught short of numbers and the Bridgford man was put through. However, under pressure from the defender he screwed his attempted lob wide and did not trouble Bruce. With five minutes until half time Samba got the goal their first half display deserved. Taylor received the ball in the right side channel and it sat up nicely to be hit, the ball looped over the stranded keeper and Samba had got the breakthrough.

Samba were delighted with their first half performance, especially after their recent troubles and so the emphasis was very much on keeping the level of performance up in the second half. Within moments of the re-start Samba came close to extending their lead, with Taylor hitting a ferocious drive just wide of the post. Bridgford were committed as ever but were toiling, and needed a spark to get them going. That spark arrived in the form of an equalising goal when play progressed from the Samba right, and the ball was at the feet of their striker about 25yds out. He hit a shot which dipped just under the crossbar in the middle of the goal, just out of the grasp of Bruce. At 1-1 Samba had to show character, as Bridgford were invigorated by the goal. They started to put more and more pressure on the Samba goal, without creating clear cut chances. Samba were tiring but dug in, and occasionally broke effectively. There best form of attack appeared to be down the Samba left and on one such occasion Francis cut the ball back to Taylor who's finish with the outside of his right foot, flew over. At the other end Bridgford hit the top of the bar from a shot just outside the penalty box and then had a glorious chance to win the match with less than 10minutes remaining. Bassett failed to cut out a routine throughball and the Bridgford man was through on goal. Bruce rushed out and then retreated but the Bridgford man completely mishit his shot and the ball went out harmlessly for a goal kick. Bassett blew out his cheeks in relief. The final few minutes did not see any further chances and the game ended all square. Samba were happy with their performance if not perhaps slightly disappointed with the result but it had been another good game with their longstanding rivals.