Goals
52 - Gary Alexander powered home a header from a Lawrie Dudfield cross to give City the lead. (1-0)
81 - Tony Bird equalised from the penalty spot after Justin Whittle was ad-judged to have brought down Stewart Hadley by the linesman despite the referee not giving the decision. (1-1)
91 - Gary Alexander hit home a Rodney Rowe pass-cum-shot to earn the Tigers the three points. (2-1)
Bookings
15 - Drew Broughton - Unsporting Behaviour
45 - Danny Williams - Unsporting Behaviour
70 - Mark Greaves - Foul
77 - Tony Bird - Foul
81 - Gary Alexander - Dissent
Sending Off
81 - Justin Whittle - Foul
Match Report
The Tigers won an eventful game infront of 8,835 at Boothferry Park to take 3 valuable points and stay in touch with the teams at the very top of the table. Late controversy marred the victory however with the throwing of objects on to the pitch again being the focus point. it was partuclarly explainable this time though, thanks to the idiotic actions of one Tony Bird...
The North Stand was partially full of City supporters due to Adam Pearson's ensible decision to open it to us if away teams are unlikely to bring more than 500 supporters. The few hundred in there did their best to create a bit of atmosphere at that end of the ground.
The game started out rather fast paced, but no real chances were created early on. Kiddrminster adopted a style of play similar to Plymouth when they played us, but seemed more willing to pass the ball about and attack when they got the chance. It was City who had the best chances early on, however. Lawie Dudfield volleyed just over when he should have done better, and Ian Goodison played a 1-2 with him minutes later before firing a superb volley from outside the area inches over the bar. Kidderminster did infact come closest to scoring though on 24 minutes when Tony Bird hit the cross bar from a free kick just outside of the area. Thankfully, the ball bounced down not in and was cleared.
City continued to take the game to their opponents and Stuart Brock had to make a good save from a Theodore Whitmore header to keep the scores level. But only 7 minutes in to the second half, the Tigers took a deserved lead. Lawrie Dudfield produced a good run down the right and crossed for Gary Alexander who headed powerfully in to the top corner to score his first League goal for the club. Mad celebrations followed! Finally, a goal!
Bird again went close with another free kick for the visitors, but Matt Glennon tipped his shot over well. City seemed to be in total control apart from these 2 set pieces however, and nearly made it 2-0 minutes later when Gary Alexander had the ball in the net only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Disaster struck in the 81st minute. Justin Whittle made an error judging the flight of a long ball and headed it way short of Glennon. Stuart Hadley raced clear on goal after the ball but Whittle chased back and made a superb tackle on the substitute, which the referee Scott Mathieson saw from 10 yards away and gave nothing. However, the linesman, 30 yards back, waved his flag and after a brief conversation Mathieson awarded a penalty and sent off Whittle. Bird scored the penalty and then nearly incited a riot, running over to the East Stand and gesturing and mocking. A few City supporters tried to get on the pitch at him and some threw coins which unfortnately could get the club in to trouble. If the FA take action they should look at the tape of the game and duely punish Bird with a punishment he deserves. as someone said to me shortly afterwards, he could have been arrested for Incitement to Riot!
Apparently, the ref did not see Bird's actions, or is a total fuckwitt, as he only gave the player a warning, when he should have definitely ben sent off haveing been previously booked.
Unfortunately, minutes after the equaliser, Mark Greaves was stretchered off with an ankle injury sustained blocking a shot which will apparently keep him out for 3 to 4 months. Get well sson Greavsie...
So it seemed a team who did not look at all like scoring all game would be basically handed a point. Not this time! Brian Little sent on Rodney Rowe in the last minute of normal time and it proved to be an inspired substitution. Deep in to Injury time, a Mike Edwards throw found Rowe, who fired the ball in to Gary Alexander, who made no mistake from inside the 6 yard area. Cue mad celebrations again! Thank god, for once we beat dodgy officials!
The win is a timely and needed one, as it moves us up to 6th place ahead of no game next Saturday, making sure we stay in touch with the very top of the table. Next up, some Fuckwitt brings his team to Boothferry Park...
Man Of The Match
Gary Alexander - Capped a great display with 2 well deserved goals which should improve his confidence no end. |
