Prete-a-porte
Jokers 2 - 2 Press Association
Jokers continued their unbeaten start to the season in dramatic fashion,
coming back from a two goal deficit to pin back PA in a wind affected
game.
A strong side meant Jokers resumed their 5-3-2 formation that served
them well last year with Lynes and Read returning on the wings, and
Wilby back up front. Jokers were aware of the impact of the conditions
and chose to tackle them head on in the first half. The resultant
effect was one of almost total bombardment, but PA were mainly
restricted to hopeful long range efforts. The first meaningful chance
of the game came when Lynes lost the ball on the left, Gamson was beaten
on the wing but Linter came to Jokers rescue with a solid stop. Linter
was actually injured earlier in the game when the same striker followed
through with two feet in a poor challenge that the referee chose to
leave unpunished.
Jokers did look threatening on the rare breaks they had with Milner and
Wilby lively. A fantastic through ball from Seaton-Smith released Wilby
whose effort was credibly stopped by the PA keeper, and another superb
through ball by Milner released Wilby, whose shot skewed wide. It was
PA who deservedly took the lead towards the end of the half. Powell''s
timely interception fell kindly to the unmarked winger and his first
time shot slid between the post and the despairing Linter. Buoyed by
the goal the continued to put pressure onto Jokers goal and had an
effort hit the bar, albeit well covered by Linter.
As the second half began, the wind died somewhat, but Jokers were coming
more into the game. Unfortunately they also proceeded to concede at the
worst time. A few weary legs allowed the PA defence to bring the ball
unchallenged into the Jokers half and as it was swung in from the left,
a tidy finish placed the ball in the top corner for two nil. At this
point the Jokers looked dead and buried, but Linter made a change,
bringing on Prete for Mandolini, and this was to prove the turning
point. His first noticeable action was to get involved in a lovely team
move. A one two down the left released Prete who then in turn found
Milner. His touch back was perfect for the onrushing Morrell to arrow
his shot into the bottom corner. The goal lifted Jokers, whose new
sense of belief saw them knocking the ball about nicely. Within 5
minutes it was two-a-piece as Prete picked up the ball some 40 yards
out, took a couple of touches before unleashing an unstoppable shot into
the top far corner. Early contender for goal of the season. PA looked
rattled, and indeed took their frustration out on the referee who sadly
allowed himself to be influenced, making some puzzling decisions from
that point on. To PA's credit they did keep creating chances but some
excellent last minute interventions by Gamson and Large prevented a high
degree. When they were beaten, the outstanding Linter was on hand to
pull off three or four outstanding saves from goal bound efforts.
Another shocking decision by the referee gave PA a last corner of the
game, but it was to no avail and as the ball was cleared Jokers had held
on to gain a valuable point.
In what could be a tight season this year, Jokers remain unbeaten and
whilst yet to get into their groove, must be considered amongst this
years title contenders. With Clissold having dropped 6 points, Fowlers
and PA will remain strong challengers and so to pick up a point when
seemingly lost could yet prove crucial. Man of the match - Linter.
Simply outstanding and kept Jokers in the match.
Jokers 2 - 2 Press Association
Jokers continued their unbeaten start to the season in dramatic fashion,
coming back from a two goal deficit to pin back PA in a wind affected
game.
A strong side meant Jokers resumed their 5-3-2 formation that served
them well last year with Lynes and Read returning on the wings, and
Wilby back up front. Jokers were aware of the impact of the conditions
and chose to tackle them head on in the first half. The resultant
effect was one of almost total bombardment, but PA were mainly
restricted to hopeful long range efforts. The first meaningful chance
of the game came when Lynes lost the ball on the left, Gamson was beaten
on the wing but Linter came to Jokers rescue with a solid stop. Linter
was actually injured earlier in the game when the same striker followed
through with two feet in a poor challenge that the referee chose to
leave unpunished.
Jokers did look threatening on the rare breaks they had with Milner and
Wilby lively. A fantastic through ball from Seaton-Smith released Wilby
whose effort was credibly stopped by the PA keeper, and another superb
through ball by Milner released Wilby, whose shot skewed wide. It was
PA who deservedly took the lead towards the end of the half. Powell''s
timely interception fell kindly to the unmarked winger and his first
time shot slid between the post and the despairing Linter. Buoyed by
the goal the continued to put pressure onto Jokers goal and had an
effort hit the bar, albeit well covered by Linter.
As the second half began, the wind died somewhat, but Jokers were coming
more into the game. Unfortunately they also proceeded to concede at the
worst time. A few weary legs allowed the PA defence to bring the ball
unchallenged into the Jokers half and as it was swung in from the left,
a tidy finish placed the ball in the top corner for two nil. At this
point the Jokers looked dead and buried, but Linter made a change,
bringing on Prete for Mandolini, and this was to prove the turning
point. His first noticeable action was to get involved in a lovely team
move. A one two down the left released Prete who then in turn found
Milner. His touch back was perfect for the onrushing Morrell to arrow
his shot into the bottom corner. The goal lifted Jokers, whose new
sense of belief saw them knocking the ball about nicely. Within 5
minutes it was two-a-piece as Prete picked up the ball some 40 yards
out, took a couple of touches before unleashing an unstoppable shot into
the top far corner. Early contender for goal of the season. PA looked
rattled, and indeed took their frustration out on the referee who sadly
allowed himself to be influenced, making some puzzling decisions from
that point on. To PA's credit they did keep creating chances but some
excellent last minute interventions by Gamson and Large prevented a high
degree. When they were beaten, the outstanding Linter was on hand to
pull off three or four outstanding saves from goal bound efforts.
Another shocking decision by the referee gave PA a last corner of the
game, but it was to no avail and as the ball was cleared Jokers had held
on to gain a valuable point.
In what could be a tight season this year, Jokers remain unbeaten and
whilst yet to get into their groove, must be considered amongst this
years title contenders. With Clissold having dropped 6 points, Fowlers
and PA will remain strong challengers and so to pick up a point when
seemingly lost could yet prove crucial. Man of the match - Linter.
Simply outstanding and kept Jokers in the match.