Res 0-2 Churchill Res

6.15pm 9th August 2007

Farcical Refereeing Display Ruins

Pre-Season Game

A disgraceful performance from the Referee, and a petulant display from Churchill Reserves ruined what could have been an entertaining game in Churchill, on a pleasant summer's evening.

Churchill started much brighter than Yatton, taking a second minute lead. The Yatton 'keeper made a decent save from a range effort, but in failing to keep hold of the ball he was exposed by his defence and Churchill's forward had little trouble tucking the ball away. Inspired by this early lead, Churchill pressed to extend their lead, with Brad in goal making up for the cheap goal by making several top class saves at the feet of forwards, and tipping two shots from distance spectacularly over the crossbar.

The game petered into nothingness, sparked to life only by a string of heavy challenges by Churchill which were either not seen or ignored by the Referee. Churchill, being bigger, fitter and stronger than a young Yatton outfit, restricted Athletic to long range efforts, the closest of which was Bob Millard's free kick that flew a foot ouside of the top right corner. The high (or low) lights of the second half were two soft penalties given by the Ref, one to each side. Churchill's penalty was confidently dispatched after the "man" in black blew for something only he saw, and then Matt Clothier nearly missed the next field with his effort from the spot, after being clipped on his way through to goal.

In the end, the result was a fair one and reflected Churchill's dominance in midfield, however their attitude, along with the Referee threatening to abandon the game when a supporter questioned both his parents marital status the status of his eyesight, left a sour taste in the mouth.

Mallett: Would have been a better Ref.

As would Wonder.