Sunday 21st
September 2008
High Lane B (H)
ECSFL
League Match 2
Referee
Dan Deakin
After a great start to the season last week it appeared a bit of complacency had set in and the Fire started the match poorly with no one getting tackles in or getting close enough to their oppnents. Within two minutes High Lane had scored, a deep cross from the Fire left finding two High Lane players unmarked at the far post and the finish gave Josh Jennings in goal for the Fire no chance.
A few minutes later and High Lane doubled their advantage. Good work down the Fire right hand side saw a High Lane player get into the penalty area and with Josh poorly positioned the drilled cross/shot was pushed into his own net.
The Fire were looking out of sorts with the midfield constantly being exposed and High Lane getting a lot of joy down the Fire right forcing Manager Robert Green to introduce Michael Bridge to the game, at right back, midway through the half as he sought to prevent further damage. The Fire had half chances themselves to reduce the arrears but the final ball just seemed to be missing on a frustrating first half.
Half Time 0-2
Another substition at half time saw Andy Martin making his competitive debut for the Fire. Although the Fire started brightly and worked hard clear cut chances were few and far between. Shaun Lloyd-Griffiths hit the bar and Dave Barnes blazed a header over from a decent position as well and it seemed like things were just not going to fall into place for the Fire with several opportunites not even troubling the keeper.
Lee Knott did managed to pull one back for the Fire with about 15 minutes to go with a clinical finish after getting through one on one with the keeper but the Fire lacked the composure to grab an equaliser.
The Fire deserved more from the game and ultimately paid the price for a poor start.
Full Time 1-2

Ratings: Josh Jennings 7, Robert Green 6, Brian Mullens 6, Dave Barnes 6.5, Tom Riley 5, Matt Jones 6, Dan Moss 6.5, Joe Shambare 7, Shaun Lloyd-Griffiths 6.5, Lee Knott 7, John Hopkinson 6.5

Subs: Mike Bridge 7, Andy Martin 6, Simon Hallows 7
MoM: Joe Shambare
 Goalscorer: Lee Knott