Banbury v. Stourbridge, Sat. 09.04.11

[Steve T]

From the Oxford Mail:
Banbury United could give a debut to on-loan Northampton striker Will Green when they host Stourbridge looking to climb away from danger. Green, 18, came on as substitute in their 2-1 win at Hemel Hempstead.
Manager Billy Jeffrey said: "He gave us a spark; he's a big lad with a lot of pace. We set a target of three wins from our last six games and we already have two of those."
Banbury are without Aynsley McDonald (back) while Malachi Farquharson (calf) faces a late test.
Squad: Murrell, Stanbridge, Maddox, Gordon, Learoyd, Haisley, Coleman, Benjamin, Stone, Rose, Ashton, Green, Staff, Farquharson, Earle.

I'd quibble that Green is a 'big lad' in that he's not 6' 3" but he's certainly strong on the ball and in the tackle. His pace caused Hemel some real problems.

Banbury v. Stourbridge in SLP:
08-09 – W 2-0 [170]   D 1-1 [144] (at Halesowen)
09-10 – D 3-3 [269]   L 1-2 [276]
10-11 —               L 1-2 [245]

Banbury v. Stourbridge – all SL (from 71-72):
P35 W10 D11 L14 F40-A50

Stourbridge – last ten:
Truro       H  D  2-2  440
Evesham     A  W  3-2
Oxford      A  W  2-0
Weymouth    A  L  2-3
Leamington  H  W  4-3  443
Bedford     H  W  3-0  619
Oxford      H  L  0-3  319
Tiverton    A  L  0-1
Hemel       H  L  1-5  255
Chippenham  H  W  1-0  268

Stourbridge – away: LWDLDDLWLWLWLWWLL

[teamkettlechip]

Banbury 1-0 Stourbridge ATT 240

[Steve T]

For those of us who had an 'in-line' view of the first goal, crediting it to Haisley might be considered stretching it a bit! The shot was going wide, the double deflection took it wider still but it curled back wickedly towards the goal. I have never seen a football swerve so much in so short a distance. What we couldn't be sure of was whether it went in off the keeper; if so, he too could claim it. The second goal had an element of luck as well, a defender's miskicked clearance coming back off the post to fall to an unmarked Stone.

Still, like last week, a bit of luck was due (so I am told by the, er, regulars).

Last man to score a hat-trick in a league game, JG in the 5-0 beating of Chippenham in January '07. That too included a penalty – last time without, Howard Forinton, Sep '04 v. Bedford (H) W 5-1.

Last league victory by four goals – Oct. '08, 4-0 v. Bedford (H).

[petet]

A couple of lucky goals, but a good overall performance. Certainly safe now.
Declan was outstanding.

[stephen]

A fantastic win!

First half they probably had the best of the play, there were one or two nervous moments and hesitations at the back which could have lead to a goal. The spin (off Henry's backside?) on Nathan's shot was quite unbelieveable. I was right behind it and still can't work out how it went in.

Second half either they were poor or we were very strong or a bit of both. Declan's performance was one of the best outfield performances of the season, if he played like that every week he would be destined for a higher level. They did have a few chances too though and Joe made osme good saves and dealt with crosses very well.

[Steve T]

Apr 10, 2011 12:14:59 GMT 1 stephen said:

A fantastic win!

Rather surprisingly Banbury's biggest league win against Stourbridge in 76 meetings since 1945. Previous best: 4-1 in 84-85.

Apr 10, 2011 12:14:59 GMT 1 stephen said:

Second half either they were poor or we were very strong or a bit of both.

Stourbridge's play-off hopes had gone before Saturday and they looked like they'd given it up a bit after the second goal went in. We know how their supporters must have felt as we've all seen similar limp end-of-season performances in the past, notably in 05-07, seasons in which Banbury promised much but fell away. I made the point to Keith R that it was little different to Banbury's 0-4 defeat by Wealdstone at Northwood on Easter Monday 2007 (four years to the day) – same conditions, same result.