Report

General Welcomed local rivals Athletico to the Victoria Ground and made all the early running after observing a minute Silence for local teacher and referee Peter Rippington from Alvechurch.

After 6 minutes Cory Bennet and Matt Fearon linked well to force a corner which was taken by Kelvin Daley. Spencer Hicks-Kenward meet the ball and set up Matt Fearon who shot home from 8 yards. 1 - 0.

The game was very open with General still having the lions share of possession and Cory Bennet and Matt Fearon again linked well to force a save out of Ex-General keeper Adie Summers and he did even better saving Jason Payton-Smith’s follow up effort. At the other end Dave Inman’s involvement was limited to tipping over a long range shot.

On 37 minutes, Dean Beagan used his explosive pace to get passed Tom Trow-Poole and found a deep cross that was spectacularly dispatched by Nathan Broadhurst with a bicycle kick. Unfortunately young Tom pulled a muscle in the process and had to be replaced by Chris Hopkinson forcing General into positional changes with Ross Fearon moving to right back and Chris operating on the left side of mid-field.

Half time 1 – 1.

The second half was much as the first, General continued to play neat attacking football with Kelvin Daley particularly influential in the centre and Darryl Foster a tower of strength at the back.

On 68 minutes General again took the lead, Matt Fearon and Jason P-S  the architects allowing Spencer a tap in from close range. 2-1

On 76 minutes things took a turn for the worse for General, when referee Mark Vipond adjudged that Dave Inman had fouled Leon Broadhurst having rushed from his goal. A penalty was awarded and to say Dave lost his cool is a massive under-statement. Mr Vipond was left with little option but to caution him and Kelvin Daley joined him for his comments about the decision.

Leon Broadhurst converted the spot kick to level the scores at 2 – 2.

Both teams had chances to win the game but it ended in a draw that left General feeling bitterly aggrieved after their best performance in ages.

Final score 2 – 2.

Man of the match Kelvin Daley just ahead of several other candidates.