Diggle FC
Results for Saturday 26th November 2011
First Team win 4-3 at Shepley
Diggle Reserves beaten 4-2 at home by Uppermill Reserves
‘A’ Team draw 2-2 at home against Heyside Reserves
Match Report by Howard Johnson
Diggle Reserves 2 v Uppermill Reserves 4
This was a more competitive fixture than the season opener when a depleted Diggle side were taken to the sword. Diggle started brightly and had the better of the opening exchanges. Following an injury stoppage the Uppermill centre forward deliberately kicked the ball for a goal kick instead of back to the keeper – not an impressive bit of sportsmanship by the big fella! The resulting kick came straight back at the Diggle defence and Uppermill were awarded a penalty for hand ball. The referee showed leniency in not sending off the culprit and the match was better for it. The penalty was converted.
Chances came and went for both sides and both keepers were busy. Brian Lord was brought down on the edge of the box in the 41st minute. He picked himself up and stroked a wonderful free kick into the top corner giving the ‘Mill keeper no chance.
Half time 1-1
The pouring rain intensified and the pitch became very sticky and some players struggled to keep their feet. Uppermill went ahead on 57 minutes when the Diggle defence failed to clear their lines after keeper Andy McVeigh pushed a looping header onto the bar, allowing the attacker the time and space to score inside the 6 yard box. Diggle heads dropped and Uppermill capitalised by scoring two further goals in quick succession.
The Diggle players, to their credit, lifted themselves again and with the growing influence of Danny Garside on the wide right started to enjoy more possession in the attacking third. Paul Wood had a chance tipped over by the advancing keeper, Andy Raw slammed a header against the bar and eventually Steve Andrew scored from close range (82 min).
A final corner for Diggle saw all 11 players in the box and then the referee blew for full time as Uppermill broke forward.
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