The English Football Association was formed in 1863 and for over 100 years only a handful of rules were changed. However in recent years FIFA seem to advocate changes almost every season, penalties for example when I was a youngster were almost unheard of now you get one virtually every game because of the changes. Of all the rule changes proposed I've not seen the one that I would propose seen anywhere. I would move all three officials from the field of play and place them behind the barriers then perhaps they would see the game as we the spectator sees the game and act accordingly.

Our first chance last night came from a Mika Chunuonsee free kick which went through but was blocked on the line and cleared. On 13 minutes a long ball out of defence cleared the Cambrian back four and set Craig Langdon up, their keeper raced out of goal and took Craig out some 30 yards from goal and he was handed a yellow card. but the chance was gone as they cleared our free kick. We continued to push forward as in the main Cambrian like to counter attack and a throw into their box caused panic until the referee awarded them a free kick. We went behind on 19 minutes when it appeared Leigh Shrimpton was fouled some 35 yards from our goal but instead of us being awarded the free kick it went the other way. From the kick they won a corner and from the corner Lee Michaels at the far post headed in. Ok we should have dealt with the corner, but instead of us putting their defence under pressure from the free kick it was them putting us under pressure. Craig Langdon won a corner right side, Scott McCoubrey took it but knocked it too high and it sailed over everyone for a goal kick. Just after the half hour the linesman joined in and flagged for a free kick to Cambrian which from behind the barrier no one saw. Rory McCreesh at full stretch and low to his right brought off a terrific save to keep the score to one. Just before half time a Craig Langdon shot was saved by the keeper who knocked a long ball forward and gained a corner. Rory McCreesh again did well punching the ball clear under pressure.

Luke Borrelli replaced Carl Payne at the interval and he cleared the ball forward to Scott McCoubrey, Scott in turn found the supporting Leigh Shrimpton whose shot from outside the box failed to trouble the keeper. On 51 minutes the ref called Mika Chunuonsee and Carl Evans to him and showed the yellow card. It was unclear if he called Mika as captain to hear what he said to Carl or whether Mika was booked. On 58 minutes a positive run down the right by Luke Borrelli was cut short by a foul tackle and a yellow card, Scott McCoubrey's free kick eluded everyone in the box and went out for a goal kick missing the far post by a couple of feet. Then four minutes later their 4 was booked and minutes later the ref called over their 5 who continually kicked the ball away if we were awarded a free kick. Strangely he spoke to the player at length but did not book him, it was even more strange later when Scott McCoubrey caught the ball over the touchline to take a quick throw and was booked for his troubles with the ref awarding Cambrian a free kick infield. I think we all had the feeling we weren't going to get anything from this game and it was confirmed on 79 minutes when they got a second. Jason Bertorelli (10) picked up a poor clearance and cut inside to shoot and score from 12 yards. Rory McCreesh then tipped away a further opportunity for the home side while Luke Borrelli with two headers went close in the final minutes. Although not mentioned in my report Justin Williams played very well, several times when they broke he raced 80 yards to get back to cover. Carl Evans came off injured after 82 minutes and Adam Carpenter after 88 while Corey Thomas was injured just before the final whistle. Anyone available for Saturday?

Lido side:

Rory McCreesh,  Corey Thomas,  Rhys Williams,  Justin Williams,  Carl Evans, Leigh Shrimpton,  Carl Payne,  Mika Chunuonsee,  Craig Langdon,  Scott McCoubrey, Adam Carpenter.

Subs:

12  Aaron Keefe for Adam Carpenter 88
14  Luke Borrelli for Carl Payne 46
15  Andrew Collins for Carl Evans 82
16  Vince Lewis

Bookings:  Carl Evans/Mika Chunuonsee, 51  Scott McCoubrey 75 Rory McCreesh.

Match Report by Peter Reynolds

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