Match Report

Beeston AFC (4) v Derby Ams (4)

Date: 21/02/09
Team: 2nds
Match Type: League
Venue: Away
Opposition: Beeston AFC

oday’s fixture saw Derby visit Beeston AFC, a team doing well at the top of the table, 3 points would be very valuable to get us away from the bottom of the table. We tried a 3-5-2 formation looking to utilise the width and pace going forward.

Derby kicked off with the sun and wind at our backs, the start although a bit ragged soon settled as we passed the ball forward and use the width to good effect. A few good moves saw the ball in the Beeston box and chances created but not capitalised on, both teams were pushing the ball through the middle of the park and pressing forward looking for the opening goal, the first goal came courtesy of Gale after having changed his boots. Soon after Beeston responded to make it 1-1 as a miscommunication between Selby and Cartwright saw the ball break free and put into the back of an empty net.

More end to end play saw chances created for both sides but it was Derby who scored again through Pateman to bring the score to 2-1, the most bizarre moment of the first half came as the referee sent off named substitute D. Crosby for vocally disagreeing with a poor decision he had made. The second half saw Derby press down both flanks and saw Pateman score again to make it 3-1. With nothing to lose Beeston pressed forward causing the Derby Back line little concern as they held firm. A good midfield move saw the ball end up at Hoskers feet as he powered into the area and was brought down earning a penalty. The resulting spot kick was dispatched by Pateman for his hat trick 4-1.

All seemed well, three goals up and points looked to be in the bag, Hosker came off soon after the penalty to be replaced by Perry. Beeston now pressed forward in greater numbers and put crosses into the Derby area and forcing some saves out of Cartwright, two more changes saw Davis and Macmillan replaced by McCrystal and Fisher.

At this point Beeston put long balls over the top and raced through to score on one occasion to make 4-2, this seemed to give them an extra gear as they won more ball across the pitch and put more pressure upon the Derby back line, with another long ball forward and again the ball was in the back of the net 4-3. We seemed all at sea in the this last 20 minute spell and when the ball was failed to be cleared again a cross found the back of the net to make it 4-4.