Clements Athletic 2 - 1 Lakeside Reserves

Two second half goals from Liam handed all three points to Clements, as they beat Lakeside for the second time this season.  This time both teams started and finished the games with eleven men in a competitive game where the result was always likely to go the way of the team who coped best with a strong wind blowing into the bottom corner.

Subs: Alan, Parker, Harry, Gollum

Clements had to cope with the wind in the first half, and did ride their luck as Lakeside created and squandered a number of good chances.  In the end Lakeside needed a little help from Eye-Ball and Foggy to take a lead into half time which, on the balance of play, they probably deserved.  Foggy dropped off to give Eye-ball an option from a throw-in, but then got caught in possession by one of the two over-sized Lakeside strikers.  He raced clear and squared for his partner for an easy tap in: 0-1.

Clements hadn't played for about six weeks, and it really showed in a first half where they struggled to string more than two passes together, and played the ball in the air far too often in conditions which really didn't suit this tactic.

The comments at half time were frank but constructive, and Alec made a tactical change with Harry replacing Chris to play up front with Liam, with the Kenyons splitting to run the flanks.

Whether it was the wind or the formation change that made the biggest difference will remain open for debate, but the improvement in the second half was clear for all to see, as Clements started to threaten the Lakeside goal on a regular basis.  H's introduction definitely made a difference, as the Lakeside defence struggled to cope with his pace and strength in the windy conditions.

Clement's equaliser came when Dale played a cross field ball from the right to Liam, who out-muscled the defender before striking the ball high on the bounce into the back of the net: 1-1.

The confidence in the Clements ranks was now high, and they took the lead when Ryan's corner was won in the air by Tapsell.  Liam was first to bounce on the loose ball, and he smashed the ball into the back of the net: 2-1.

Clements would have put the game beyond doubt if it hadn't been for a couple of remarkable saves from Lakeside's keeper.  First he denied H, who rose to meet Dale's cross with a close range reaction save.  Then he got down well to his right to save Liam's well struck shot through a crowded area.  Foggy and Dale also came close to scoring in the second half with rasping long range efforts.

Lakeside had their chances to get a point, but much like the first half were unable to take advantage of the good opportunities they created.  Clements rode the storm and held out to gain a much deserved and confidence building three points.

Eye-Ball

Goal scoring chart