MERLINS BRIDGE SECONDS 1

MANORBIER 4

Manorbier FC have had a few problems behind the scenes of late, with players playing for the Seconds and not the Firsts, so a meeting was called for clear-the-air talks, and that's all it took.

So, a bit of a shuffle round amongst players from both teams meant Saturday afternoon could not come round quick enough, with manager John Grover having a new-look squad that was positive and keen to impress.

Enough about the politics, though, and let's get down to the nitty gritty of this division three clash at Merlins Bridge, which saw most of the action come in the second half.

There were a few chances in the first half for both teams, but no goals, so the half-time score remained at 0-0.

After the interval, the whole team pulled together and Manorbier continued to create a number of chances, although not clear-cut ones.

Then, after 70 minutes, on came Joe McKeown for his debut and he did not disappoint; he was up and down the wing and continually put pressure upon the Wizards.

Another change saw the introduction of Michael Brown, a long-serving stalwart of Manorbier FC, and as soon as he came on, he scored following excellent link-up play with Jake Webster.

With just 10 minutes remaining, the Bridge equalised, but heads did not drop. Manorbier again pushed up field and the ball came to someone who you would put your house on to score, and did, namely Mike Ryder!

It was a massive goal which was much needed to get the morale back up in the club,

But he wasn't done there. Ryder made it 3-1 and also played a big part in a fourth in time added with an own goal from a helpless defender.

It was an outstanding team performance, with Mike O'Neill as man of the match, but it could have gone to any one of 10 players, such as Tom Grover at the back or Blayne Whertt; there are just too many to mention though!

The victory was just what the club needed and the only way is up.

And finally, all the plaudits should go to John Grover, the manager, with some great tactics and substitutions, and some great support from Harty and co.