Garibaldi College (Mansfield) 2 – 1 Tollbar BEC

January 23rd, 2008

On a cold, wet and windy Friday afternoon in Mansfield, Tollbar BEC had their Fifth round ESFA football match. Winning this would see the boys through to the last 32 in the country but they knew the task was not going to be easy.

As a result of the heavy rainfall in Mansfield the pitch was slightly waterlogged but just playable. The game kicked off at 1:30 pm and from the whistle the ball was holding up in puddles on the pitch making it difficult for the boys to play their passing football. The puddles also stopped an early shot from Lee Wattam, which after passing the keeper got held up and was cleared off the line.

The Garibaldi side soon woke up and replied to the attack with some good football of their own which in turn developed into a well finished goal.

The first half flew by and we were left one nil down at half time but with some slight changes Tollbar BEC knew they could get back into the game. Tollbar played with the wind for the second half and seemed to be on top with shot after shot narrowly missing the target. It was however Garibaldi College who scored the next goal giving them a two goal advantage over the Tollbar side.

Time was fast running out and the Tollbar side still couldn’t hit the target. Later in the half a free kick was awarded just outside the eighteen yard box. Liam Harries stepped up and powered the ball into the net. This gave our side a boost of enthusiasm and another goal was brewing. Time unfortunately wasn’t on our side and the 25 minute half soon passed us by without a second goal.

Garibaldi College (Mansfield) 2 – 1 Tollbar BEC

Unlucky boys, There’s always next year!!