Report

Kingsdale go into this friendly high on confidence after last weekend’s victory. The Dale lined up with Joe Allen in Goal, Cookie at rb with Sam Donegan at lb, the centre pairing of Matt Dennis and Gav Smith, Swashy on the right wing with Pete “The Horse” Elvin returning on the left flank, in the centr emid was Matt Griffiths and skipper Danny Cooper, up top was Fletcher and Dane. With 7 subs on the bench all going to be getting on from half time onwards.

The kick off was delayed, and Kingsdale had extra time to warm up. When the game started Kingsdale were the fastest out of the blocks. Kingsdale dominated possession, utilising Pete and Sam’s pace on the flanks. Several corners were won, but the Dale failed to capitalise.

Several times Kingsdale failed to play the ball in the final third to the simple pass, which could of allowed Kingsdale more joy in front of goal. FC Elmstead were limited to very few chances in the first half, as Kingsdale were closing them down very quick, the Kingsdale back 4 of Cookie, Donegan, Dennis and Smith, was working very well, covering eachother superbly well, and when errors were made, the Dale players cleared it up and looked after each other, superb work!

The half played out 0-0, with both sides having no real clear chances, Kingsdale were on top, and the Gaffer seemed pleased at half time.

HALF TIME 0-0

Half time message was to lift it again, and keep stopping them from playing and to improve that final ball, and the goals will come.

H/T Subs: Jim on for Joe in goal; Ben Ed on for Cookie at rb; Browning on for Sam Swashy at rm; Alex on for Dane at cf; Louie on for Danny at cm. 2^nd half captain Matt Dennis.

The half started quite subdued, Kingsdale and FC Elmstead were sizing eachother up for the next 45 minutes ahead.

Kingsdale did finally get there passing going again, and a break from Roy and Alex up top led to the ball hitting an FC Elmstead players hand in the area, penalty Kingsdale, Roy Fletcher stepped up and tucks it away sending the keeper the wrong way. 1-0 Kingsdale, 55 minutes gone.

FC Elmstead still couldn’t get their game going and Kingsdale had 2 more chances within 5 minutes to put themselves 2-0 up, but it wasn’t to be.

SUB 65 min: George on for Pete going rm, Browning going lm.

Elmstead struck a few good shots towards Jim Kenny’s goal, but some were flying high, but they were threatening signs of things to come.

SUB 73 min: Dane returning on for Matt Griffiths, (Dane up top Roy in cm)

Kingsdale had a couple of more glorious chances but the final ball just was not there. With 7 left on the clock, Elmstead got a free kick 30 yards out, which the FC Elmstead player struck superbly, but Jim Kenny made a great save, Kingsdale players reacted slowest, and a lovely cut back cross from the Elmstead players was headed home. 1-1 Elmstead making their chances count.

Th egame was far from over, and Kingsdale did once again press, but once again the final ball was not cut back for the easier chance,  and FC Elmstead punished Kingsdale again due to this, with the last kick of the game FC Elmstead struck a peach of a shot into the bottom corner past the fully stretched Jim Kenny on 93 mins on the clock, FC Elmstead 2-1 Kingsdale, a couple of complaints about a high foot in th ebuild up, but nevertheless Kingsdale should of dealt with it.

FULL TIME - FC Elmstead 2-1 Kingsdale

GAFFERS THOUGHTS

Great game of football from 2 good sides, I think a draw would have been the right result, or maybe we just edged it with the amount of chances we squandered. Fair play to Elmstead as they kept going until the end and dominated 25 mins of the 2^nd half, and our chances were on the break when we gained possession. Once again really promising signs, we all need to continue what we are pushing for, and work together and as a team, catch you all at training Tuesday, and final preseason next week vs Kingsdale Reserves.

UP THE DALE!!