Report

Jackson's lost the away fixture 6-1 so anything was going to be an improvement on that. Jackson's started superbly and Metropolis looked bemused by the 5 in midfield formation. With Chris Johnson and Jon Bourne working down the flanks and Craig Hancock and Andy JOnes winning the ball in the middle it wasn't long before the Metropolis defence wilted under the pressure a poor back pass after pressure from Jez Jackson put Winston Clarke in he was alert but the keeper made a good save one on one. Chris Bowering was doing his usual steadying act in front of the back four and winning the second balls. A great tackle from Andy Jones got the ball to Craig Hancock and his excellent ball found Jez Jackson he cushioned his header through to Winston Clarke who smashed the ball on the volley past the Metropolis keeper for a brilliant goal and one nil. Jackson's were in complete command. Jason Richards playing as part of a back 3 for the first time was outstanding and never looked threatened. Scott Hammond won every ball and was putting himself about as usual and there was able back up from Alex Clarke who always seems to thrive when it is just 3 at the back. Jackson's dominated and played some lovely football with a shot from Andy Jones being saved and Craig Hancocks long range volley being tipped around the post by the goalkeeper. Metropolis put Jackson's under pressure from corners and set pieces but the defence were superb and never looked threatened. Danny Fox made a brilliant point black save when the metropolis striker got a header in from an inswinging corner. He also made a couple of other good saves from long range efforts. His kicking was (as usual) exemplary. An excellent ball from Chris Bowering found Winston Clarke out pacing two defenders only for the goalkeeper to collect the ball, however a moments hesitation and Winston Clarke brilliantly robbed the ball off him to make it two nil. Unbelievably the goal was then ruled out for offside by the Metropolis linesman and with the Metropolis manager reffing the goal was overturned. Worse was to follow as the referee had not stopwatch so his cronies on the sideline were keeping time. The first half went over by about ten minutes but Metropolis did not come close to equalising. The second half was in much the same vein in terms of the officials. Metropolis put Jacksons under alot of pressure Danny Fox brilliantly tipping a dipping swerving shot onto the post and then tipping a header onto the bar before gathering the rebound. By this time Jon Bourne and Chris Johnson were feeling some tired legs after their unbelievable work up and down the flanks. This was keeping Metropolis at bay. Jackson's still created chances and Jez Jackson should have done better when he skinned the defender but shot straight at the keeper. Chris Johnson then had a chance but skewed it wide. Unbelievably as Craig Hancock came away from his defence with the ball the referee blew for a penalty which was not even appealed for. However, justice was done as the striker miscued the shot wide. Jackson's created more chances and Winston clarke went through but saw his shot saved. Craig Hancock then hit a thunderbolt but this was again well saved. Jason Richards who had been brilliant all afternoon then blotted his copy book with a mistimed challenge to give Metropolis another penalty. This time it was a correct decision. Danny Fox dived brilliantly to his left to palm the ball away for a brilliant save. The save was so good that the ball was away from the onrushing strikers. If anyone deserved a clean sheet foxy did. Unbelievably the game was still going on the game on the other pitch had long since finished. The lads on the line keeping time stated there were four minutes to go plus stoppages but they were also stopping the clock for the stoppages!!! it was now getting dark and the pitch was becoming frozen!! Winston Clarke then did brilliantly and beat the defender for pace. He was one on one with the keeper and did everything right he curled his shot into the top corner but unbelievably it cannoned off the post. Jackson's should have been out of site in this game despite the disgraceful officials. Then predictably Metropolis got a corner and a deflected shot luckily beat the brilliant Danny Fox to give Metropolis a point. What a coincidence that the game finished seconds afterwards. It was farcical as so many other games have been without referees. It felt like Jackson's got all three points even thought the table will show they did not. However, a much improved performance and if there can be some continuity they will move up the table.