Match report from Birchanger - in before Ron's

Match Report for 04/11/07
Knebworth v Birchanger
Birchanger Drew 3-3

Keen to build on the last two performances Birchanger travelled to Knebworth with just 12 available players but came home with a draw after another credible performance. Having taken a 3-1 lead in the second half Birchanger might have expected to win the game but conceded another soft goal late in the game and to be honest Knebworth had 3 excellent chances themselves during the second half two of which keeper Kev Roberson did brilliantly to keep out.

Birchanger started brightly enough but were to fall behind early in the game when Knebworths first effort saw them take the lead. A viscious volley from a Knebworth player was well parried by keeper Roberson but fell kindly to another Knebworth players feet and he couldn't miss. Unbowed Birchanger continued to try to play a passing game but Knebworth defended well until a nice combination between Gary Colson and Ricky Pearson saw Pearson break clear 25 yards from goal, he looked up and caught the goalkeeper off his line and saw his effort loop over the despairing keeper and into the net to make it 1-1.

Caretaker manager Gavin Tooke switched Mark Booker into attack while Gary Colson dropped into his more familiar midfield role and it soon began to reap reward as Bookers strength in the air and on the ground unsettled the home sides defence. However neither side could convert any of the chances that came their way and at half time the sides were deadlocked at 1-1.

A flurry of chances came the way of both sides as the second half got off to a great start. Knebworth were the first to threaten breaking down their right only to see the cross flash across goal with nobody able to get a touch. Birchanger almost took the lead when Mark Bookers excellent pass found Gavin Tooke running into the box his effort going just over with the keeper beaten. Knebworth created the next two firstly when they beat the offside trap and a striker might have done better but Roberson saved well at his feet with the defence caught on their heels. It was Roberson again who saved brilliantly pushing a swerving shot away for a corner to keep the scores level.

Finally Birchanger were to take the lead as they began to play the best football of the game. The breakthrough came when Mark Bookers strength got him to the byline and his cross found Gavin Tooke who again had made a strong run to the near post, lost his marker, and with a deft touch lifted the ball over the keeper. A well worked goal to make it 2-1. Birchangers dominance was rewarded further when Mark Booker then scored himself. After surging into the area he tried his luck and his shot went in after a couple of deflections but nothing would stop Booker claiming his first goal for the Vets which was well deserved.

For the second week running Birchanger either took the foot off the gas or panicked a little having got their noses in front. Firstly they conceded a well worked goal which saw a Knebworth player burst clear and finish well. Then with only 10 minutes left the visitors managed to concede yet another soft goal when a defensive error saw Steve Foster lose the ball in a dangerous area and Knebworth profited to grab the equaliser. Birchanger will feel disappointed but the result was probably about right and this was the 3rd good performance in a row which should help boost their confidence after a shaky beginning to last month.