Walsall Wood Reaction
For the second successive Saturday, The Mikes Reserves came away pointless after an afternoon of high frustration and some bewildering officiating.
The Mikes dominated the first half and went in 1-0 ahead thanks to a Johaine Thompson strike, but had the chances to lead by a far more comfortable margin. The Mikes started the second period brightly and continued to carve out chances, but were unable to put the game to bed. They conceded a sloppy penalty to relinquish their lead, but quickly got back on top. More chances came and went, the woodwork was struck twice, before the Mikes fell to a sucker punch as they poured forward on the break themselves.
The Mikes laid siege to the Wood goal for the remaining quarter of an hour, but were denied the chance of an equaliser was Jack Brown was clearly brought down in the area, but to the amazement of both camps, the referee waved play on.
Joint Manager Rob Clarke commented “We got mugged today, but fair play to them as we only have ourselves to blame for allowing it to happen. We had enough chances to win three games. The work rate was again exceptional, and we carved them open time and time again, but you must take your chances. We gave a way a sloppy penalty to let them back in to it. I have no complaints about the decision. We then poured forward on the break and left ourselves short at the back for the second goal. That bit of naivety cost us. At the time, they looked dead on their feet, but the goal gave them the lift they needed. We didn’t need to over commit, as the goal looked like it was coming. Yes, not getting a stonewall penalty at the end was unbelievable, but it would have all been irrelevant if we’d made our domination count in the first hour. On another day we’d produce that performance and win by 5 or 6. There were plenty of positives, but we lost the game. It may be a bitter pill, but we have to swallow it and learn the lessons.”
Forthcoming Reserve Team Fixtures:
Saturday 7th November 2009 (3:00pm)
Midland Combination Reserve Division: The Mikes v Oadby Town
Wednesday 11th November 2009 (7:30pm)
Smedley Crooke Challenge Cup: The Mikes v Droitwich Spa
