Kimberley MW Old Boys — Sat 5 Jan 2008

Match report

Half time: 0 – 1

Samba kicked off 2008 with a home tie against Kimberley MW Old Boys who had made more than a decent start to the campaign with just 2 defeats in 10 games. Samba were missing Lucas (unavailable) but also Hawkins and Taylor through injury, the latter who had broken a bone in his arm just two games into his comeback against Kirton. On a positive note Gibbons was passed fit to return to the starting XI and Doughty and Loach returned after lengthy suspensions. The game kicked off in bright sunshine and the opening exchanges were nothing to write home about. The first chance fell to Samba via a set play with Boughton rising highest but was unable to direct his header on target. This chance preceded a spell in the game where neither side enhanced their reputations. The passing was sloppy and neither side looked capable of creating a serious chance. On the half hour mark the tide was slowly turning Samba's way and Francis burst into the box coming from the right. The defender was behind Francis and desperately tried to win the ball but made no contact and Samba made strong claims for a penalty. The referee who was in a good position refused to budge but it looked a stonewaller. A couple of minutes later the most enterprising play of the half saw a neat move from Samba conclude with Hill putting Francis in the clear. He finished first time but the strike was ruled out for offside. Francis had run from deep and the decision appeared dubious at best. Five minutes before half time Kimberley who had not had a shot on target took the lead. A harmless looking cross from the Kimberley right which appeared certain to go out for a goalkick, curled and ended up in the far corner, to Samba's disbelief. Samba ended the half 1-0 down and nervous about a similar start to 2008 that was experienced in 2007.

The talk at half time was about raising the tempo in an attempt to ensure Samba got back into the game. The second half started in much the same fashion though, scrappy with few chances. Samba were handed a lifeline however when from a corner Boughton's header went over the line via a deflection from a defender. With parity restored the platform was there for Samba to win the match but Kimberley had other ideas. The Kimberley midfielder was allowed to drift inside and shoot from 25yds, which proved a vital error on Samba's part. The ball cannoned off the underside of the crossbar and Kimberley reacted first with the striker poking the ball past an unbalanced Ballard who was trying to recover from the initial shot. Samba were angry at their sloppy play and had already changed their formation to 3-5-2 to match Kimberley like for like. Thankfully they scored soon after conceding with Doughty picking the ball up from 30yds and putting his laces through a shot that was always destined for the top corner and beyond the grasp of the goalkeeper. It was all square again and although Samba pressurised the Kimberley defence they could not find a way through. At the other end Ballard was called upon to make a brave block following a scramble at a corner and both sides had to settle for a point. Samba came off the field disappointed but aware that a point was not the end of the world. The pressure would be on next week however for Samba to get back to winning ways.