FAO Scowy

[Southern Fox]

Where do I put it???Can I email you it??

[Southern Fox]

I suppose I have always looked down upon a team like Gillingham and always felt a bit sorry for them. Its on night’s like this when you realize how far from the Premiership and discussion of life outside the Premiership really sinks in.

When you look at the fixture guide, gone are the trips to Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal and we have to always make do with Gillingham, Rotherham and Crewe. For some reason when you attend the Preistfield Stadium, the song “shit ground no fans†automatically springs to mind. I hadn’t been through the turnstiles for more than 30 seconds (still shocked at paying £66 quid to 2 adults and a kiddy) when I am confronted by what I all I can explain is a rather large load of scaffold poles and wood planks. Must be doing some refurbishment or something you would assume. Err no! That is the away stand. A temporary stand that would have made the famous “cattle shed†at Planet Filbo look decent. I felt like it was watching some non-league affair! We are in Championship aren’t we!!

I look around the Stadium which is fullish to hear that announcer state that attendance is just over 6,000. I feel sorry for the local support that has dragged themselves here week in and week out. For one moment I felt lucky to be a Leicester fan and look forward to returning to the Walkers.

It was a mild and damp September evening and you can see that the pitch had been given a good soaking. Large chunks of turf where scattered across the pitch just with the players doing the warm

Micky rung the changes. In from the cold was Matt Heath (for Keown) Joey Gudjonsson (for Nalis) Gareth Williams (for Gemmill) and Trevor Benjamin (for the suspended Connolly).

It looked as though Micky had also reverted back to his traditional 4-4-2 formation. Kevin filled the goal nicely, and across the back it was Makin, Dabizas, Heath and Wilcox. Midfield of Scowcroft, Gudjonsson, Williams, Tiatto and upfront Benjamin and Dublin.

The late arrivals to the Stadium would not have missed out what was proving a very scruffy encounter with both team contempt of playing the long ball and relying on the flick on. As the early blows were exchanged, it was Gillingham who appeared to get more of the run of the ball, with the little and large combination of Byfield and Henderson causing Dabizas all kinds of problems. Dabizas for all his experience does get ruffled easily, and was giving away a bucket load of fouls against the Gillingham front man. Darius Henderson was full of confidence early on after returning from a free-scoring spell on loan at Swindon and Dabizas was not looking at all comfortable.

City looked most dangerous at free kick and corners which I was surprised with both Wilcox and Williams fizzing them across from either side. Something I haven’t seen all season. It was no surprise that City’s best chance came from a set play and when a corner was not properly cleared the somewhat subdued Dion Dublin rose and acrobatically scissor kicked towards to goal. Gills goalkeeper was beaten but the ball was desperately lashed off the line but a well placed defender. Dabizas also had a header superbly tipped over by the Gills keeper when it looked likely to drop in.

The first half continued to be scrappy with City picking up 3 needless bookings. Not surprisingly Tiatto, but this time for kicking the ball away and not mauling down an opponent (5th of the season and now will miss Saturday’s game v Preston), Williams for and having an angry exchange with a player at a throw and Dublin for not getting the allotted yards when the goalie was taking a free kick. All pretty needless and although the referee on another day, may have let them decisions slide, he was controlling the game well.

Leicester had done enough as the rain stated to fall to deserve a clean sheet at half time. Kevin Pressman preserved that with a superb double save late on in the half. The defence failed to clear a somewhat poor cross and the ball found its was out to Nicky Southall on the edge of the area. His daisy cutter took a small deflection off a City player and skidded worryingly towards the City goal. With Pressman wrong footed, the big man managed to stick out a foot and prevent the ball from crossing the line, but the ball bounced straight to the head of a Gillingham striker and with Pressman still ground managed to catch the ball and keep it safe.

A first half that produced little for City but was solid and professional enough to receive a standing ovation as the players trotted off.

If I had forgotten I was already in a poor stadium, then the realism sunk in again at half time. The away end “temporary stand†also doesn’t have a roof so when it started to rain; it wasn’t the nicest place to be! The Gillingham stewards were handing out plastic see through macks. Now I may have been getting wet but I had some dignity! A wasn’t up for looking like a wet condom!

The 2nd half was a completely different story to the first. City looked positive and actually looked like they were up for taking all 3 points. The passing looked crisper and we had people in the box and were looking dangerous. The whole team oozed confidence and there always seemed to be a player available to take or want a pass.

We still needed Big Kev to produce a wonderful point blank save and then also turn the ball round the post for a corner in one move which the home team were convinced had gone in. I still am not really sure how he kept it out. For all of the home team’s efforts, Leicester coped comfortably bar this chance.

Anyway, in the 49th minute City got their first corner of the 2nd half and it was right in front of the away support. The surface was greasy and once again it was an excellent corner which evaded everyone apart from Dabizas and Dublin who directed the ball back in the mixer. The ball bobbled for literally seconds before the returning Matt Heath stuck out his giraffe like limb and prod the ball home. Elation for the players and supporters as we celebrated as one. EIEIEIO…. !!!

Confidence grew, and some players put on a really good show. Little Danny Tiatto danced round opponents on the left before cutting in and running through midfield challenges. Trevor Benjamin was awesome with some of his hold up play and running off the ball. He looked strong and keen to prove a point to the watching Adams. Dublin played what was probably his best half in a City shirt. He goaded Gillingham players into conceding fouls and once again produced some wonderful touches and bringing other players into the game. And both Heath & Dabizas looked a lot steadier this half. It was great to see Leicester playing this way.

Neither side really had any notable chances but both Williams and Scowcroft sliced shots when well placed. With 19minutes remaining Leicester were crying out for that killer second and we were not to be disappointed. The ball was sprayed over from the right and Trev watched the ball land and then held off the challenge from his defender. Trev then ducked his shoulder, darted to the byline and smashed a ball across the box. With lightening reactions Dublin had used the pace of the ball and placed it high in the top corner of the goal. A brilliant move, a brilliant finish and a brilliant goal.

Dublin went to celebrate and came running behind the goal and gave me a high five (I will be in the end of the season DVD for sure) before the rest of the jumped on his back. Celebrations and just rewards for what was a much better half. City were comfortable now and a few players did a bit of show-boating (Tiatto, Scowcroft and Dublin to name a few). We kept possession well and the team did resemble a team fro the first time this season. Tricky Trev had a dipping volley turned round the post as the minutes ticked by and his performance did deserve his name on the scoresheet. There was a late appearance as a substitute for Tommy Wright for the tiring Dion Dublin. He received a standing ovation even from the kind home support.

As time ticked by, Gillingham’s frustration was summed up by Nicky Southall 2nd yellow card and early departure from the game. With Williams waiting for the ball to be given to him to take a corner, from about 10 yards away the Gills midfielder decided to punt the ball as hard as he could at him. Just missing Williams the ball strikes the corner flag and sends it spiraling into the air. Cheerio mate!

The final whistle brought welcome relief for the players and the away support that have traveled far. This was a good result scrapped out on a poor skiddy pitch against a hard working side, and City had to show more than a little character to take 3 points after Saturday’s disappointment. The happiness was for all to see. Well done lads. Well played!

Ratings

Pressman 9 : 2 brilliant saves at crucial times during the match. His distribution and handling was very solid throughout the match.

Makin 8 : Solid in the tackle and stuck to his task well. Never shoulder responsibility in get up and down the pitch.

Wilcox 7 : Looked shaky early on as Gillingham pressed down the right but did well and linked up well with Tiatto on the left. Sent in some excellent corners.

Dabizas 7 : Strong 2nd half after a poor first 45mins. Had a good header turned over and was involved in the opener.

Heath 8 : Had a great game back from injury and also scored the opener. Won most headers and looked strong in the tackle.

Tiatto 9 : Inspiring in the left hand side. Linked well with Wilcox and always seemed to be involved in some sort of capacity. Another good solid performance. Booked

Williams 7 : Had a solid game but still doesn’t look settled. This us proving a tough season for the young Scot. Stuck to his job though in a busy midfield. Booked

Gudjonsson 7 : Professional display by the little dude. Does the things that people usually take for granted. His best game in a City shirt.

Scowcroft 8 : Another good game from Scowy. Every running, tracking back and winning tackles. Again impressed me by how much he wants to play and it show. First on MA’s teamsheet and a must at the moment.

Dublin 9 : Man of the Match. Was subdued in the first half but totally controlled the game thereafter. His link up play and presence on pitch was for all to see. Received a standing ovation and was whole-heartedly deserved. Best 45mins in a City shirt. Booked

Benjamin 8 : Had an excellent match up front. Hugged the left touchline and was influential in holding the ball up for the surrounding midfielders. Out to impress. Set up the 2nd goal from a difficult position. A big performance from a big favourite.

[Scow]

SF, that's a class report.

Thanks for taking out time and writing that, very much appreciated. You and Teeno are my match reporting team in my absence.

[Teeno]

SF, that's a class report. 

Thanks for taking out time and writing that, very much appreciated.   You and Teeno are my match reporting team in my absence. 

23097[/snapback]

Lucky us

[Teeno]

If I had forgotten I was already in a poor stadium, then the realism sunk in again at half time. The away end “temporary stand†also doesn’t have a roof so when it started to rain; it wasn’t the nicest place to be! The Gillingham stewards were handing out plastic see through macks. Now I may have been getting wet but I had some dignity! A wasn’t up for looking like a wet condom!

:: ::

Class mate!!!

[Guest Daniel]

Very very very nice report.

Scowy out scowy out!

[Scow]

Both Teeno's and SF reports have been excellent. I'm well pleased because it's gives the website a better profile to have different styles and perspectives on games.

If both Teeno and SF want to write for the site again, I will definitely let them have their opportunity.

Cheers both, very much appreciated.

[Guest Daniel]

You could have them all writing match reports, having 3 different views, from different aged people.

[mad biker]

Have to agree it`s a very well written piece, it does however show how differently people view things, as for me Williams was man of the match by a million miles, 11 out of 10 for me, a superb display from a class player !!

[Southern Fox]

Have to agree it`s a very well written piece, it does however show how differently people view things, as for me Williams was man of the match by a million miles, 11 out of 10  for me, a superb display from a class player !!

23124[/snapback]

Really? :w00t:

I thought he played well, but lacks authority and IMO doesnt stamp his mark on the game enough. Drifts in & out too often.

Did you not think Dion's 2nd half performance was class??

[Southern Fox]

You could have them all writing match reports, having 3 different views, from different aged people.

23119[/snapback]

just out of interest, how old do you think I am??

[Ash]

Nice report SF .....

[Southern Fox]

Cheers

[Guest Daniel]

You could have them all writing match reports, having 3 different views, from different aged people.

23119[/snapback]

just out of interest, how old do you think I am??

23136[/snapback]

Older than scowcroft.

[mad biker]

Have to agree it`s a very well written piece, it does however show how differently people view things, as for me Williams was man of the match by a million miles, 11 out of 10  for me, a superb display from a class player !!

23124[/snapback]

Really? :w00t:

I thought he played well, but lacks authority and IMO doesnt stamp his mark on the game enough. Drifts in & out too often.

Did you not think Dion's 2nd half performance was class??

23135[/snapback]

Yeah I thought Dion`s second half display was quality, in fact they all played bluddy well, Williams`s job is to show vision and make defence splitting passes etc, it`s Joey`s job to do the ugly stuff, he was never out of the game and was always in a position to receive the ball, let`s just agree to differ on the Williams performance and say a big WELL DONE to Micky and the players

[gjp]

Nice report and for an exile like me who only usually goes to the walkers it much appreciated . cheers blokes

[Ric Flair]

Have to agree it`s a very well written piece, it does however show how differently people view things, as for me Williams was man of the match by a million miles, 11 out of 10  for me, a superb display from a class player !!

23124[/snapback]

Really? :w00t:

I thought he played well, but lacks authority and IMO doesnt stamp his mark on the game enough. Drifts in & out too often.

Did you not think Dion's 2nd half performance was class??

23135[/snapback]

Yeah I thought Dion`s second half display was quality, in fact they all played bluddy well, Williams`s job is to show vision and make defence splitting passes etc, it`s Joey`s job to do the ugly stuff, he was never out of the game and was always in a position to receive the ball, let`s just agree to differ on the Williams performance and say a big WELL DONE to Micky and the players

23335[/snapback]

Spot on there mate. I've been trying to tell people for a while that Williams is never going to be the sort of midfielder that constantly get stuck in and boss the midfield. He's an attacking midfielder with an unbelievable pass on him and what we need to do is utilise his ability by making sure we do have a battler in there to feed Williams the balls for him to spread them around and make things happen. A 3 man midfield with Nalis and Joey alongside him or with Tiatto in there somewhere would suit him better, but i'm a big fan of Williams though. Quality, we are lucky to have him.