After a few nervy opening minutes, the Shots began to settle and apply some pressure on their opponents. They looked to make the most out of set pieces, crossing the ball high into the Accrington penalty area at every opportunity. The same could not be said of the visitors as an unsuccessful short free kick, resulted in Hylton breaking free at pace. The move ended up with striker Madjo free at the back post and his volley was well blocked by Accrington’s Peter Murphy.
The visitor’s first chance of the match fell to Michael Smith, who headed over from a corner. The tall striker would have been disappointed that he didn’t make the most of his strong aerial ability and kept his header on target from close range. Half way through the first half and neither side were able to take full control of the game, with both sides unable to sustain any real pressure or possession.
The influential left sided Danny Hylton saw his well-struck half volley just whistle over the bar. This effort seemed to install some much needed confidence into the Shots, as shortly after Vincenti blasted against the bar, after shifting the ball nicely onto is left foot. Youngster Charlie Henry then lacked composure as he blasted the rebound high over Ian Dunbavin’s goal.
As the first half progressed Henry began to show some of his potential. He teased the Accrington left back Kevin Mcintyre with a mazy run, with his final cross causing problems for the Accrington goalkeeper at the back post.
Accrington midfielder Luke Joyce could of made more of his chance, which fell to him after a well-worked Accrington move was broken up and fell to the twenty-three year old. He was unable to get the ball out of his feet, eventually deciding to pass instead of a shot just inside the Shot’s penalty area.
While at the other end, right sided midfielder Henry was causing problems once again, as he jinxed inside and his left footed deflected shot wrong footed the goalkeeper, finishing up just wide of the post.Peter Vincenti might have a big role to play this season, as it was announced that forwards Rankine and Rodman are set to miss the remainder of the season. He was certainly making the most of his role leading the Shots attack, showing great work rate, dropping deep to hassle the Accrington midfield triangle in the centre of the pitch.
In first half injury time, the Shots went close again, as Hylton burst infield on to his favoured right foot, however he was unable to keep his well-struck low shot on target.
Early on in the second half, Accrington striker Smith saw his second chance of the game pass him by. He ran through on to a perfectly waited pass, but Shots goalkeeper Worner was quick off his line to deny to the striker.
The visitors were showing much more urgency and quality in the opening stages of the second half, more than they had done throughout the entire fist half. They came desperately close to opening the scoring, but Bryan Hughes’s cross was just too far in front of the arriving Accrington player.
Hylton in his trademark position at corner kicks, lurking patiently on the edge of the penalty area, had another opportunity to fire his side into the lead, this time however he was unable to control and keep down his powerful effort. Left back Straker also remained a threat, as he accelerated from a deep position down the left hand side in Usain Bolt fashion. His final delivery towards the back post was inch perfect, but unfortunately debutant Guy Madjo lost his footing right at the final moment.
The away side replied with a fine effort of their own, as Peter Murphy attempted to catch Ross Worner off his line with an exquisite left footed chip, but the Shots goalkeeper was on hand to tip the ball over the bar. As the game entered the closing stages striker Smith still remained the visitor’s most likely scorer, as he twisted and turned with his back to goal, before a well-hit shot which was deflected over the bar.
Both managers made changes in search for a late winner, which saw the introduction of hot prospect Adam Mekki replacing the impressive Charlie Henry. Striker Guy Madjo continued to cause problems for the Accrington back line with his willing running and explosive pace, when he burst on to a bouncing ball in the opposition’s penalty area. The new signing though was denied a dream debut goal as Dunbaven saved well from close range.
As both sides were pushing for that all-important winner, the game began to become stretched and more spaces in the midfield and defensive areas started to appear. Accrington substitute Charlie Barnett very nearly made the most of the increased amount of space, but his speculative effort from long distance finished just over the bar.
Neither side were able to grab a late match winner, as they cancelled each other out in a tightly contested match. The Shots will take great spirit from this point, when they travel to AFC Wimbledon in their next league two match.
0 comments:
Post a Comment