Match Report 2000/2001Sims hat-trick leads Linnets goal spreeSaturday 9th September 2000 : Jewson Wessex LeagueLymington & New Milton 5, Cowes Sports 0 |
Linnets' manager Derek Binns was forced to make further
changes to a team already affected by suspensions, against opposition which
arrived holding the best away record in the league. For this match, Mark Smith
and Matt Town were unavailable, while Gary Crompton had to make a late
withdrawal due to an accident on his way to the game. New signing Gary Grace
was consequently drafted into an unaccustomed midfield position instead of
being named amongst the substitutes.
The opening exchanges saw attacks
from both sides seeking an early breakthrough, although the home side enjoyed
greater possession, looked solid in defence and gradually gained the upper
hand. The Cowes 'keeper was therefore much busier and was forced to clear from
both Sims and Glenister as the home side started to put on the pressure. The
Linnets' re-arranged midfield was performing well and an excellent right-wing
move resulted in Stride's cross being headed home at the far post by Paul
Sims for the opening goal.
Cowes were forced to defend well, if
somewhat frantically at times, as the home side created more chances and
threatened to extend their lead but with half-time approaching they caught the
Linnets' defence on the break, forcing Kearn to rush from his goal and make a
good save; which Morris tidied up.
Half-Time : L.&N.M. 1, Cowes
0
Within minutes of the restart, the home side went further ahead
when some good approach play was finished off by the lively Richard
Glenister. Although the visitors fought hard to gain a foothold in the
game, the home midfield of Strong, Grace and Huxford were winning much more of
the ball and prompting some excellent play from their team. It was therefore no
surprise when Paul Sims made it 3-0 with a low shot into the Cowes
net.
With about 20 minutes to go and the game effectively won, the home
side introduced youngsters Rideout and Gonzales for Glenister and Strong but
there was no let-up in pressure on the visitor's goal as the newcomers fitted
well into the team's pattern of play. Indeed it was Avi Gonzales who
slotted the ball wide of the Cowes 'keeper, following more good play by the
Linnets, to make it 4-0 and within minutes Paul Sims completed his
hat-trick, firing in a left foot drive while holding off a strong defensive
challenge to complete the scoring.
A good all-round team performance,
despite the absence of several first team regulars, was appreciated by the home
fans and augurs well for the Linnets' intention of gaining promotion at the end
of the season.
Lymington & New Milton : Kearn, Stride, Kemp,
Morris, B. Phillips, Huxford, Grace, Strong, Glenister, Sims, subs :
Mottashed, Gonzales, Rideout.
Match reports on this site are based on those appearing in the New Milton Advertiser & Lymington Times (except where separately credited) with additional material from my own resources where relevant.