Loss of concentration costs Valley the game
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Valley Rangers IIIs 0. Strangford IIs 3.
TWO momentary lapses of concentration cost Valley Rangers dear at Ballinran on Saturday, as two quickfire goals either side of half-time put the game out of their reach.
Valley were missing a number of regulars who had received the call-up to bolster the Seconds. However, with a slightly reshuffled pack, they started the match confidently. Strangford thought they had taken the lead from an early corner, however the referee judged the ball not to have crossed the line after a goalmouth scramble.
After weathering the early onslaught from a good Strangford side, Valley began to create some good chances, Alan Graham failing to convert on at least two occasions.
It was Strangford who took the lead on 32 minutes, with a decent finish low into the net. Valley searched for an equaliser, but found the Strangford defence difficult to penetrate.
Andrew Bridges had to be sharp to save at his near post twice in quick succession. As half-time loomed, a lapse in concentration by a number of Valley players allowed Strangford's play-maker to waltz through a number of half-hearted tackles, and plant the ball into the back of the net, right on the stroke of half-time.
The second half was barely 15 seconds old when Strangford scored their third. Again some inefficient tackling from the Valley allowed Strangford to break through and score with ease.
Valley adjusted their line-up with Johnny Graham replacing Alan Graham. Andrew Graham moved up front and had a few good chances to reduce the deficit, once dragging the ball wide of the far post when in a good position, and then taking the paint off the crossbar with a bullet header.
Mark Nicholson is proving to be one of the gems of the season, and was unfortunate not to score after creating a good chance for himself. Valley rallied in the final 20 minutes and will feel disappointed not to have got at least one consolation goal. Even Alan Donaldson ventured out of his own half on an excellent run. Stewart Houston then just failed to convert a pin-point Johnny Graham cross.
The same player then showed great skill, by bringing an excellent throughball from Andrew Peters down on his cheek, but failing to get a shot on target.
George Purdy went on one of his trademark runs and evaded at least three tackles, before screwing a decent shot just wide. Towards the end, Strangford almost rubbed more salt in the wound after an excellent breakaway attack. Andrew Bridges made two outstanding saves to deny Strangford again.
Even after competing well against a strong Strangford outfit, Valley will be still be disappointed to lose by three goals. However with young players like Mark McCoy, William Emrie, Mark Nicholson, Gary Brown and Steven Patterson continuing to improve match by match, the future does look bright. Steven Patterson was outstanding for the full 90 minutes, and was deservedly lauded by his team-mates, and indeed by the Strangford players at the end for an excellent performance.
Valley man of the match: Steven Patterson.
