Archive - Thursday, 23 January 2003


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Siddington seem ring-rusty after a month of inactivity

AFTER a month of inactivity, Siddington FC's first Cheltenham League Division Three game on their return to action ended in a 1-3 loss away to Smiths on Saturday.

The visitors were found wanting and the absent Bezzer was replaced up front by Lloyd to partner Harkness who was not his usual robust self due to carrying an injury.

But Siddington started well enough, camping in Smith's half for most of the opening 20 minutes aided by Outram, Sheen and Harkness.

After the away team had failed to do better with their chances, Smiths countered by punishing their opponents.

When Smiths' unmarked centre-forward raced on to a long through ball, he found the bottom corner of the Siddington net from the edge of the box.

One soon became two when Hammond jnr's mistake led to this same striker giving keeper Pawlowski no chance as he curled in his shot.

Making far too many mistakes and looking somewhat ring-rusty, Siddington were in obvious trouble.

Then came a crucial decision that floored Siddington hopes. After receiving a through ball and jinking his way into the box, Sheen was brought down from behind just as he was about to shoot.

The anticipated penalty never came and, with Siddington continuing to debate the issue, Smiths broke with Sheen still down in the box. This left the void and Smiths' unmarked winger quickly made it 3-0.

After the interval, Siddington started the second half with more control with only the final ball being the downfall of some good approach play.

By now, Pawlowski was a near spectator but, unfortunately, Siddington didn't have their shooting boots on. All three subs were used before the visitors finally pulled one back.

The Norman twins combined and delivered into the box for Hammond to poke over the line.

Edwards, Smart and Gardiner all had chances and, when Hammond failed to get on the end of another cross, Siddington knew the comeback was dead.