Match Report
Match Report - 23 Nov 2014, Maclay Football Club 2015 beat Pioneer Reserves
Sunday 23rd November 2014
CSL Division 1
Maclay 4 (4)
Pioneer Res 1 (1)
Scorers: Gavin (2), Gosling & B O’Connor
Squad: C Young, D Bryan, J O’Connor, B Gosling (Capt), C O’Connor, B O’Connor, S Hodja, D Gavin, P Hanlon, S Hijjawi, C Rivers, P Bryan, I Ranger, D Rennison & J Rochford
Maclay extended their lead at the top of the Chesham Sunday League 1st Division to 4 points with a solid win over second placed Pioneer. For the second week in a row every player in the squad performed well on a big occasion and helped the team to an important victory.
Pioneer started the match well but it was obvious from the start that Maclay centre forward DEAN GAVIN had recovered from his hamstring injury as he caused the opposition defence problems every time he had the ball, resulting in a well taken goal in the 21st minute. Maclay captain, BEVAN GOSLING was in the right place at the right time to make it 2-0 three minutes later. Pioneer had played well for twenty five minutes but suddenly found themselves two goals down and having to chase the game, allowing Maclay to come forward on the break. Ian Ranger, up front with Dean Gavin, showed he has lost none of his touch as he held the ball up and brought other Maclay players into the game.
Maclay went 3-0 ahead after 34 minutes as BEN O’CONNOR put a free kick into the net from all of thirty five yards. This was followed four minutes later by a really good goal from DEAN GAVIN as worked his way into a shooting position in the centre of the eighteen yard box and hammered the ball home.
Pioneer were working hard and playing well throughout this period and were rewarded with a goal five minutes from the break when a well hit shot squirmed past Maclay keeper Chris Young.
The second half was a battle as Pioneer came forward but found time after time that the Maclay defence held solid. The returning Conor O’Connor came back from injury after a seven week absence and marshalled the Maclay defence well, ably supported by Ben O’Connor, David Bryan and Jack O’Connor.
Maclay created a number of good opportunities in the second half and Peter Bryan was very unlucky to see his goal disallowed for hand ball five minutes from the end.
BEVAN GOSLING won Man of the Match for the second week in a row as he seemingly covered every blade of grass in his role of midfield general.
Maclay move on to a Subsidiary Cup match at Chesham Athletic next week followed by a home league match v Stone on 7th December.
Maclay Football Club 2015 4 - 1 Pioneer Reserves ()