Lordswood 2 Sittingbourne 0

Attendance:

Although a disappointing result, the performance wasn't all bad. This was an entertaining competitive game that was settled by two soft goals.

Sittingbourne's team in the first half was probably not too far away from the one that will start the Dr Marten League campaign on the 18th August.

After just five minutes Bradley Spice started where he left of against Bromley on Saturday and unleashed a shot that flew just wide. Lordswood's Cacey then had a run up the right wing and sent in a good cross but there was no forward there to take advantage.

A corner taken by Harrison resulted in a good save by former Sittingbourne goalkeeper, Paul Piggott. Then a good move involving Drury, Marshall and Spice ended with Spice getting a shot in that was kicked off the line. Spice then directed a powerful header just over the bar. The pressure was still on the Lordswood goal and an indirect free kick from Harrison was met by Miller whose shot skimmed over the bar.

After 25 minutes a Lordswood dash up the pitch ended when Ray Broad had a point blank shot that hit one of his own players (Holbrook) and was then cleared. Ten minutes later Hooper had to race out of his goal and the penalty area and head the ball clear.

Sittingbourne were soon back on the attack and from another Harrison corner Piggott just managed to get his fists to the ball but he only managed to punch it as far as Tyrone King whose header lacked the strength to trouble the keeper further.

That was it for the first half. Sittingbourne had played fairly well and had most of the attacking but had failed to score that all important first goal.

John Roles made a few changes for the beginning and during the second half. Steve Robinson, Tyrone King, Bradley Spice and Clint Gooding were replaced by Danny Wilson (a triallist from Beckenham Town), Paul Nolan, Matt Russell and Shane Davies.

Almost straight from the kick off Lordswood scored. All I know is that it was a soft goal! (I was still enjoying my half time cup of tea!). Ray Broad being credited as the scorer.

Marc Seager then tried to show the forwards where they were going wrong by driving a shot in from all of 35 yards. Unfortunately for the large contingent of Brickies fans it flew harmlessly over the bar. Piggott had to tip a shot over from a corner and then Steve Marshall had a shot that was headed onto the under side of the bar by a defender.

There then followed one of the best moves in the match when Miller neatly back heeled the ball to Paul Nolan. He put in a good hard cross but it was well held by Piggott before any of the lurking Brickies forwards could reach it. King then put in another of his customary crosses but it managed to evade the three Brickies forwards in the penalty area and again Piggott gathered.

With just a few minutes left, Lordswood sewed up the win when ex Sittingbourne youth team player, Damon Verall found himself away from all the defenders and trickled the ball in the net past a lunging Hooper.

So a second defeat by Kent League opposition for Sittingbourne. Lordswood played well and with a lot of spirit. Sittingbourne matched this but still need to find that killer touch in front of goal. There were some good Bourne performances. On the left, King and Harrison are playing well together. Unfortunately they both miss the opening game of the season against Erith! Spice is looking sharp and will score a lot of goals this season. Marc Seager is looking enthusiastic and dominating but the defence will have to work together better if they are not to give away soft goals like they did in this match. New boy, Danny Wilson had a good debut and it will be interesting to see how he shapes up.

Tuesday 7 th August 2001

Friendly

Report by John Pitts

LORDSWOOD

Paul Piggott
Simon Osbourne
Michael Dodsworth
Gary Peck
Ray Broad
Steve Clements
Aaron Cacey
Sam Colyer
Lee Isham
David Holbrook
Tom Gardiner

Kevin Thorburn*
Lee Mayer*
Phil Pearson*
Damon Verrall*

* Sub Used

THE BRICKIES

Gavin Hooper
Neil Miller
Stuart Harrison
Marc Seager (C)
John Guest
Steve Robinson
Clint Gooding
Andrew Drury
Steve Marshall
Bradley Spice
Tyrone King

Paul Nolan*
Shane Davies*
Matt Russell*
Danny Wilson*