City 1 Southport 1
Nov 2, 2024 21:43:37 GMT
Post by Rijs on Nov 2, 2024 21:43:37 GMT
City are still finding it difficult to win home games, but a battling draw today was a fair outcome against a well-organised and hard-working team in the play-off positions. The standout moment was Jacob Roddy's thunderous volley which gave us the lead early in the second half after a rather scrappy first period which I felt the Hoops had edged, without coming close to scoring despite a number of efforts on target. But after that super goal, created by Josh Parker's battling on the wing and his good cross, Southport dominated possession and City were unable to pose a threat, though Zac MacEachran did require their keeper to dive to save one low effort after a typical run.
I was surprised that Ross Jenkins did not bring on any subs because City looked tired up front and in need of inspiration in the final fifteen minutes. They had worked hard defensively to restrict the Sandgrounders' chances, and it was encouraging to see our reshaped team (with Aaron Drewe in the heart of the defence, getting a bloodied head in one challenge) not concede again after the equaliser; indeed, Kai McKenzie-Lyle, who still needs to prove himself in the eyes of many City supporters after a dodgy few games early in the season, pulled off the best save of the match in the 68th minute from a header similar to the one that had led to their goal a few minutes before.
Ross felt, rightly I think, that it was a soft free kick to give away which led to their goal. Josh Parker was running back to help out, it was shoulder-to-shoulder, and the visiting player went down easily and won the free kick. Josh was frustrated because all afternoon his opponents were holding him and pulling his shirt, but only once (when he was clearly pulled down) did the ref award a free kick to City for it. Anyway, Kai saved the resulting header but could only push the ball into the path of Philliskirk.
A tough away match follows at Hereford, but next Saturday we have another chance to give Ross that elusive first home win since his return, and I hope the Shed Enders, who were quiet today, get behind the boys against Scarborough.
I was surprised that Ross Jenkins did not bring on any subs because City looked tired up front and in need of inspiration in the final fifteen minutes. They had worked hard defensively to restrict the Sandgrounders' chances, and it was encouraging to see our reshaped team (with Aaron Drewe in the heart of the defence, getting a bloodied head in one challenge) not concede again after the equaliser; indeed, Kai McKenzie-Lyle, who still needs to prove himself in the eyes of many City supporters after a dodgy few games early in the season, pulled off the best save of the match in the 68th minute from a header similar to the one that had led to their goal a few minutes before.
Ross felt, rightly I think, that it was a soft free kick to give away which led to their goal. Josh Parker was running back to help out, it was shoulder-to-shoulder, and the visiting player went down easily and won the free kick. Josh was frustrated because all afternoon his opponents were holding him and pulling his shirt, but only once (when he was clearly pulled down) did the ref award a free kick to City for it. Anyway, Kai saved the resulting header but could only push the ball into the path of Philliskirk.
A tough away match follows at Hereford, but next Saturday we have another chance to give Ross that elusive first home win since his return, and I hope the Shed Enders, who were quiet today, get behind the boys against Scarborough.