Report

Grove from:        Lindsay
Hannan (c)     Marsh     Sugars     Robson
Wray     Gostling     Scurfield      Walmsley
                     Webb     Creed

Subs: Gorrill   Wilson

With seven players absent through injuries and work Grove yet again had to make a number of changes.

In warm conditions Grove completed well and had their fair share of opportunities in the early stages with both Webb and Creed fashioning good chances through their efforts.

Grove fell behind on 25 minutes when sloppy passing led to the concession of a corner that was once again defended poorly as the Tavern player ran in unmarked to fire in a bullet header from close range.

Again Grove gave as good as they got until they conceded again on 42minutes yet again from a corner.

Half time: 0 - 2

In the second half Grove new they had to score next if they were to stay in the game but on 48 minutes they failed to stop a cross once again and despite having four defenders in the box the Tavern player managed to get a free header in from 8 yards for 0 - 3.

On 52 minutes the Tavern striker was dismissed from the field of play for a deliberate stamp and rather than take the game by the scruff of the neck Grove capitulated and let Tavern dominate proceedings scoring an additional 5 goals in the process.

One of the goals was a fantastic 25 yard free kick which would have graced any game.

Final Score: Eden Grove FC 0 - 8 Canal Tavern

Man of the Match: Darrell Creed - tireless work rate.

Managers Comments: Our failure to learn how to defend set pieces is of real concern and needs to be addressed by the players if the team is to move forward. Only four or five players came out of this game with any credibility following such a poor second half performance.