Parsonage   1    v   0  Buckhurst Hill

Echo League: Essex

Played Sun 27 Nov 2005

Parsonage started the brighter and had two efforts within five minutes on the Buckhurst Hill goal that were comfortably saved by the Hill keeper.  Both teams started to play good passing football as Buckhurst Hill got into the game. For the first time in a while the Parsonage boys were passing the ball around with confidence and some of the moves were a delight to watch, although the final killer ball was lacking. With five minutes to go before half time a goal kick bounced over the head of a Hill defender and quick as a flash Ryan Mallett sent a half volley crashing against the bar.  Hill played there part in the half to and it was quiet a spectacle.  0.0 half time with Parsonage just edging it. 

The second half was a different story as Hill came out fired up and picked up every loose ball in the middle of the park.  The result was Hill attacking at every opportunity as the Parsonage back line came under constant fire.  Half way through the second half Ross Cope fed Jack Lawrence on the right just inside the Hill half, Jack went on a run, shoulder to shoulder with a Hill player before hitting a low shot passed the keeper.  Hill went searching for the equaliser but The Con Man was in fine form today and produced 4 great saves, two of which I’m sure no other goalkeeper in this league would  have been able to save.  Finished 1.0 to Parsonage. 

I am not going to be critical of my team this week.  The first half performance was very good and commitment and performance wise I could not have asked for more. The second half saw our midfield again fail to compete, which allowed Hill to dominate.  The back three of Ryan Grigg, Keith Ragon and of cause The Cat were outstanding today and together confirmed they are the best back 3 in the league (only conceded one goal in league and cup matches this season).  Ross Cope was again immense in midfield and Jack Lawrence took his goal well.  The Con Man was the Parsonage Player of the Year 2004- 2005 and today it was easy to see why.  Not only did he produce 4 top draw saves but every corner Hill swung in was caught with both hands and he was so commanding in front of the Parsonage goal. 

You have to feel sorry for Hill, who played so well but like in the cup game a few weeks ago came away with nothing.  We for sure must be Hills bogey team but Manager, Parents and children again showed great character in their sporting behaviour after the match.  Respect.      

Us as Parsonage would like to wish Michael Morris the best of luck, who has left the team by mutual consent to pursue a six week trial at Tottenham. We also wish Callum O’Sullivan a speedy recovery, who was a spectator today, on crutches with a foot injury.

 Parsonage Team

Kain, Bearman, Cope, Mallett, Morris,

Ragon, Grigg, Lawrence,