Post by markf on Jan 23, 2016 19:26:37 GMT
A fitting way to celebrate Dundo's 400th and a great touch from Dartford for agreeing to join in the pre-match presentation.
My heart sunk when I saw who the ref was today but his performance was a massive improvement on the Truro debacle. The one big call he had to make came very early on during Dartford's best spell in the first 15 mins. Their fella went down under a challenge that looked clumsy and also inside the box. Perhaps mindful of the Truro match when he gave the worst decision I have ever seen on a football pitch, he waved play on. Dartford's players were incensed and if he had given a penalty I am not sure too many could have complained. Ross W had already made one smart save as the visitors started very well.
U's grew into the match but came up against some solid defending. The closest U's came to scoring was Ross S brilliant curling shot that hit the underside of the bar and boinced down on the line and out.
Second half, U's looked the better side. Not having scored a competitive goal in open play against The Darts at GGL since their first visit here in 1978, when it did come it was glorious. Fitch and Craig M combined superbly for the former to control the ball on the run and fire into the top corner. Wonderful.
I expected Dartford to rack up the pressure but they rarely hit those heights before Tom B got away, forced a good save from the 'keeper but Craig M was on hand to produce a lovely finish.
There few scares after that, although Ross made one fine save and then Fitch brought out a brilliant save from their 'keeper.
This was a top win. Dartford had several good performers on the day, notably their 3, 6 and 10 but up front they were well marshalled by a U's defence that lost Dean Beckwith in the first half. Simon Downer was more than a capable replacement and he had a great match. With Craig Eastmond outstanding in the middle it was a deserved 3 points. The home form team defeating the away form team. But, had that penalty decision gone the other way it may have been a different match. You win some, you lose some.
Up front, the two guys both scored but I have to say that Craig M was exceptional today. When that guy is fit, he is a class act.
Good to see a four figure crowd, boosted by Dartford's numbers. Great day all round.
Chelmsford next. Will be the first time since Dec 12th that most of the U's team will have played on grass.
My heart sunk when I saw who the ref was today but his performance was a massive improvement on the Truro debacle. The one big call he had to make came very early on during Dartford's best spell in the first 15 mins. Their fella went down under a challenge that looked clumsy and also inside the box. Perhaps mindful of the Truro match when he gave the worst decision I have ever seen on a football pitch, he waved play on. Dartford's players were incensed and if he had given a penalty I am not sure too many could have complained. Ross W had already made one smart save as the visitors started very well.
U's grew into the match but came up against some solid defending. The closest U's came to scoring was Ross S brilliant curling shot that hit the underside of the bar and boinced down on the line and out.
Second half, U's looked the better side. Not having scored a competitive goal in open play against The Darts at GGL since their first visit here in 1978, when it did come it was glorious. Fitch and Craig M combined superbly for the former to control the ball on the run and fire into the top corner. Wonderful.
I expected Dartford to rack up the pressure but they rarely hit those heights before Tom B got away, forced a good save from the 'keeper but Craig M was on hand to produce a lovely finish.
There few scares after that, although Ross made one fine save and then Fitch brought out a brilliant save from their 'keeper.
This was a top win. Dartford had several good performers on the day, notably their 3, 6 and 10 but up front they were well marshalled by a U's defence that lost Dean Beckwith in the first half. Simon Downer was more than a capable replacement and he had a great match. With Craig Eastmond outstanding in the middle it was a deserved 3 points. The home form team defeating the away form team. But, had that penalty decision gone the other way it may have been a different match. You win some, you lose some.
Up front, the two guys both scored but I have to say that Craig M was exceptional today. When that guy is fit, he is a class act.
Good to see a four figure crowd, boosted by Dartford's numbers. Great day all round.
Chelmsford next. Will be the first time since Dec 12th that most of the U's team will have played on grass.