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Ref: Ken DavisFosse City
Goddard (2)
Barnett
Parmar, J.Farley, S.Cobley, Jones, Hillsdon, C.Carter, Creedon, Knight, R.Farley, Morgan, Dunmore, Barnett, Bayliss, Goddard
On a sunny morning, Fosse made the trek across the border to the unknown, to face Charnwood Foresters Reserves at Oakley Avenue, Loughborough. Once Fosse finally found the ground they set about preparing themselves for what was sure to be a tough encounter. Preparations were of course made harder by the fact that the manager got lost en route, considering he had the aide of sat nav, the players couldn't believe he'd contrived to do it.
Once everybody was together, J.Farley and Knight christened the toilets, and the boys got ready for the match.
With players missing Fosse fielded a new 3-5-2 formation, meaning Creedon and Knight really had their work cut out on the wings, but both performed admirably. The first half wasn't exactly vintage Fosse, but despite a couple of half chances, with keeper Parmar easily dealt with Fosse were rarely troubled. Fosse struggled to impose themselves on the game, and with Foresters certainly making their presence felt, it looked like a tough day at the office was ahead for the boys from Leicester. However, resolute defending and an incisive breakaway saw top scorer Barnett smash the ball into the far corner, leaving the keeper with no chance of saving it.
Shortly before half time, Goddard raced clear, and coolly slotted the ball past the onrushing keeper. Goddard took the goal well, but he had that much time he probably could have changed his boots before scoring, such was the inept back line held by Foresters.
The second half started with Fosse just wanting to keep it tight and give nothing silly away. That didn't work.
Foresters gave themselves a life line with a strong finish from the angle, as Fosse failed to deal with throw in and subsequent ricochets. Shortly after, Knight was withdrawn for the returning Bayliss (suspension served, lesson learnt)and R.Farley came on for the tiring Creedon. Fosse continued to press with the ever impressive Dunmore and Morgan controlling the midfield. In fact, but for poor finishing, Morgan would have had 2 'assists of the season' but as mentioned the finishing didn't match the excellent build up.
Fosse had a header cleared off the line (Carter) and Jones also went close, before Bayliss and Barnett continued to show 'how not to finish'. With chances going begging and Foresters always in with a chance on the break, Goddard stepped up and finished the game. Despite it going in off the defenders arse, Goddard proved that if you hit the target, anything can happen, on this evidence Bayliss and Barnett should take heed ;)
**any offence caused by this report is purely intentional**
