Old Whitgiftian AFC 5-6 Reigatians
(Saturday, 03 November 2007)
Lakhani (12, 53, pen 75), Blades (34), Cobbett (61)MATCH REPORT
by Kenneth Cobbett
Saturday saw a near full strength Old Whitgiftians host Old Reigatians in their latest Amateur Combination league encounter.
The team lined up with a recognised keeper in Tim Hillier between the sticks, whilst also welcoming back Paul Dolan and Dave Aitken.
| 1st HALF LINE-UP |
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| HILLIER BLADES - HIGGINS - TARLTON - PATRICK AITKEN - WARD - McNAMARA - DOLAN LAKHANI - COBBETT |
Whits had hardly got out of the blocks before they found themselves a goal down, a mis-hit clearance from a Reigatians attack slicing into the net and leaving Hillier with no chance. The home side responded with their first meaningful attack of the game, Dolan feeding Lakhani who finished clinically in the far corner. 1-1 after 10 minutes as both sides looked to push forward and gain the advantage. It was Reigatians who extended their lead as the Whits defence got sloppy in trying to usher a ball out of play, allowing a visiting attacker to get in behind and cross for a simple tap in. An almost carbon copy minutes later and the hosts found themselves shell-shocked and 3-1 down. Whits rallied and a good spell of possession and pressure saw Andy Blades play a neat one – two with Dave Aitken before firing a rasping shot under the visiting shot stopper. The whistle blew soon after with the score 3-2 in favour of Reigatians.
| 2nd HALF LINE-UP |
|---|
| HILLIER BLADES - HIGGINS - TARLTON - PATRICK AITKEN - WARD - McNAMARA - DOLAN LAKHANI - COBBETT |
The second half kicked off with Whits realising they hadn't even started and that this game was theirs for the taking. Some good passing moves and waves of attack put the visitors under constant pressure whilst they rarely threatened up front. The equaliser came as the ball was played into Lakhani, who's subsequent turn and shot took a wicked deflection before nestling into the back of the net. The goal spurred Whits on and they continued to push for the lead which eventually came as the ball was played into Cobbett on the edge of the box, despite a hint of hand ball, the striker beat his man before curling pass the keeper to put Whits 4-3 up. Reigatians responded well and worked for the equaliser, an otherwise untroubled defence became disjointed as the Reigatians pressure told, with Whit's eventually conceding. At 4-4 Reigatians then won a dubious penalty, which was put away. Minutes later it was Whits' turn from the spot as Dave Aitken was brought down, Lakhani making no mistake in sealing his hatrick. With the scores level at an incredible 5-5 and time ticking down, any mistake from either side would prove crucial. Whits cruelly found this out as they conceded a 6 th goal and ended the day in defeat.
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