Coopers Arms — Sat 16 Apr 2011

Match report

Half time: 0 – 2

After midweek defeat against Burton Joyce a patched up Samba played Coopers Arms in desperate need of points if they were to avoid a bottom two finish. After a glut of recent games Samba's first XI comprised those most fit, but they still were able to put out a strong team with plenty in reserve. On a bumpy pitch Samba once more made an encouraging start, playing the better football in the opening exchanges. However, a real body blow occurred when Coopers' took the lead after some sloppy defensive play. The striker was able to turn just inside his half and despite four Samba players being in close attendance in wriggled free, powered towards goal and finished neatly past Nicholls who had no chance. In the first half an hour Samba created a succession of golden chances. Street headed wide unchallenged and Francis could only volley straight at the keeper. Street had a chance blocked on the 6yd box after the ball had been squared to him and C.Taylor headed over, again unmarked from a corner. In between these opportunities Coopers' almost stretched their lead when their striker again got beyond the backline, though he looked offside. His shot was partially saved by Nicholls but was rolling in, only for C.Taylor to slid in and clear off the line superbly. The game was evenly balanced but Coopers' were awarded a penalty which tipped the game largely in their favour. The award was dubious in the extreme after C.Taylor had made an excellent recovery tackle. The referee gave the spot kick for arms around the strikers body apparently, which mystified 22 out of 23 people on the pitch. The penalty was dispatched to Nicholls right and Samba has a mountain to climb. Samba continued to create chances but as the half wore on they became less frequent and Coopers' were beginning to boss the midfield. Samba were exhibited a lack of mental strength which had been evident in previous performances and had it all to do in the second half.

The game as a contest was effectively over within 10 minutes of the restart. Samba gave away the ball in their third of the pitch and Coopers' picked them off to bury the ball past Nicholls for 3-0. Samba were threatening to completely implode and buckle a la Trident, but sparingly at least managed to play some football. Coopers' were completely on top though and Samba were unable to trouble the Coopers' keeper. Coopers' looked like adding further goals and so it proved. The first was a cross to the back post and the Samba man lost his marker allowing the forward to head in the fourth. The fifth and final goal came down the Samba right and saw the striker plough though and finish past Nicholls to give the scoreline an emphatic feel. Samba's misery was compounded with the late sending off of Gamba in farcical circumstances. The referee awarded Coopers' a free kick 2yds from the goal-line for an alleged pass back, even though both Nicholls and other Samba man involved, Misiuda, were both on the floor. The referee took the ball back to the six yard line and ordered Samba players to the goal line. After the Coopers' man touched the ball Gamba brilliantly blocked the shot only to be booked for not retreating 10yds. You do the maths. Gamba protested too much and saw red. Samba were now left almost needing snookers from their remaining two games. Six points is a must and may not be enough to avoid finishing a deeply disappointing 11th out of 12.