Gedling Southbank A — Sat 7 Mar 2009

Match report

Half time: 1 – 1

FC Samba made the very short trip to play Gedling Southbank with a great opportunity to halt their poor run of form. Despite a recent improvement Southbank are rooted to the bottom of the NAA Premier League and Samba have held something of a ‘voodoo’ sign over their near neighbours with a 100% record over five previous meetings. Samba again were forced to make several changes particularly in defence where Hawkins and Sharp returned to the side. The opening couple of minutes were reasonable for Samba, with them competing well in the middle of the park. This was quickly undone however, when Southbank won a couple of challenges and Sharp failed to clear. The Southbank man found himself in the clear but with still a lot to do if confidently clipped the ball over the advancing Nicholls to give Southbank the lead and Samba the worst possible start. You would have expected Samba to go under given their recent troubles but they fought their way back into the match and created a succession of chances. The front two were busy and Brewer had two chances, the first well wide, but the second was desperately unlucky and just missed the far post with a low shot. G.Taylor also had an opportunity but his shot was comfortably gathered by the keeper. Samba had several other chances but finally got level a few minutes before half time. The goal was scrappy with a long throw in from Brewer flicked on, before bouncing in the 6yd box. Misouda launched into a diving header which the keeper could only parry, leaving G.Taylor to slid the ball over the line. Samba had been much the better team in the first half but had failed to take advantage. The performance gave hope however that this match could produce their first maximum points since November.

Southbank started the second period in better shape and soon created a great opportunity. A deep cross from the Samba left was met by their big centre forward but he could only plant the ball into Nicholls hands from 6yds. It was undoubtedly a let off. Only a few minutes later Samba took the lead and this time the goal came out of the blue. The ball dropped to Brunt 20yds from goal and he hit a great half volley which nestled in the corner and gave Samba a vital 2-1 lead. The game then entered into a scrappy period where Samba’s level of performance lulled and Southbank showed fight but were unable to seriously test Nicholls. Hill picked up a booking in this period for a succession of ‘meaty’ challenges but was disappointed when a similar challenge on himself was not punished. The killer third goal came in the last ten minutes with B.Horton wriggling clear on the right side of the box before squaring to G.Taylor who smashed the ball home. A Bassett free kick from the right of the box caused real problems in the Southbank box before the ball was cleared to safety. Samba did get their fourth though, and this was through a short corner as Southbank tired. Misouda laid the ball back to E.Taylor who crossed first time for G.Taylor to glance home a header to complete his hatrick and a happy day for the Sandboys.