Acklam Football Club

 

ACKLAM FC V DARLINGTON TSC

Sunday 17th December 2006 

 

In the last match before the Christmas break, Acklam hosted top of the table Darlington TSC.

Both clubs knew the importance of this match, a win for either side meant they would be top of the table at Christmas. The early stages of the game were played out in midfield and when either side made inroads into the opposition half they were quickly snuffed out by 2 strong, well-organised defences. A fascinating battle between the 2 midfields continued for most of the half, with Acklam’s Joe Stubley again covering the mileage in the midfield.

Attacks were few and far between, Acklam’s attempts were mainly from long range, with Liam Hoggs cross shot the best attempt.

An enthralling and closely contested half ended Acklam 0 v TSC 0.

The second half continued in the same vein. Both defences again had the better of the attackers. Alex Hamblen battled well on Acklam’s left but any opens he created were not taken advantage of. As the match progressed the heavy pitch resulted in a few tired legs, this created more space for both teams attacking wise.

Both attacks pushed the opposition defences back and it seemed only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. Unfortunately for Acklam it was TSC who scored. Their impressive central midfielder picked up the ball from a throw in before moving into the penalty area and firing in an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the Acklam net.

Acklam 0 v TSC 1

Acklam responded well to this set back and upped their game, tackles were won in midfield and strong runs made by the attackers, Acklam’s passing improved and the attack started to find more space. A clever pass from midfield found Adam Lane who beat his man and set up Josh McDermott who fired in past the TSC keeper and into the net.

Acklam 1 v TSC 1

This inspired Acklam to greater efforts and they started to take the game to TSC. The impressive pairing of Gavin Stubley and Alex Hamblen down Acklam’s left side was causing problems for TSC’s defence. Acklam pushed the TSC midfield and defence back and most of the play was now taking place in the TSC half, the TSC defence held firm

and did well not to concede a second goal.

TSC weathered the storm and came back at Acklam. Good work from their midfield now pushed Acklam back, one TSC attack late in the game led to a corner for TSC, this was cleared to the edge of the box but the TSC player latched onto the clearance and lobbed the ball into the Acklam net for TSC’s second goal. Acklam pushed forward from the kick off, but with little time left and tired legs they couldn’t breakdown the TSC defence. The referee blew for full time with the final score Acklam 1 v TSC 2. 

Every player who took part in this game can be proud of himself. All that is asked of the boys is that they go on the pitch and give 100% and that is what they did. Two very good teams not only battled for the full match, but played some excellent football. The heavy pitched caused tired legs but this still didn’t sop the boys from producing a very entertaining game. In the end a match of very few chances was won by TSC who did well to take theirs when they came along.

In spite of the defeat this was another good performance from Acklam, the defence made things difficult for TSC’S attack, the midfield matched TSC’s midfield throughout the game, and the attack worked hard to make sure TSC’s defence had a difficult afternoon. The watching scout must have been impressed. 

M.O.M. – Gavin Stubley - Led the team by example, strong tackling broke up many TSC attacks and accurate passing started many Acklam attacks.