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12th May Away to Steeple Claydon - Lost 5-1 (ht 3-0)
With Steeple Claydon still having something to play for they were the more determined team in the first half. We
were sadly lacking in defenders which resulted in an attempt to play with 3 at the back.
They were one up early on when a miss kick was struck home from outside the box. Their second was a good move down their
left that was cleard off the line only to deflect to a player a couple of yards out to tap in. The third was also a long range
effort.
As a team we were more determined second half and the runs of Russ, Dan Jones and Jake were causing problems. However
we went 4 down before Ryan put away a chance from close range. Scott was injured and replaced by Jaz who made his
belated debut for the season. Dan Jones also took a knock and was replaced by James. Someone will have to let me know abou
the 5th goal as I missed that one. A cameo appearance for the last 5 minutes by Jonathan, full of running, movement all without
ever touching the ball saw the season to a close.
Although Steeple Claydon were the better team on the night a 5-1 scoreline was harsh.
2nd May. Away to Lavendon. Lost 3-0 (ht 2-0)
After beating Lavendon last weekend, we had our minds on getting a double over one of the better teams in the division.
Our task was not made easy when a shot was spilled and tricked into the net. After that we did play well but without
making many clear cut chances. Although we were playing up hill we were able to press for periods of the game.
Lavendon's second came just before half time when a striker was able to tap in a loose ball from close range.
We knew that we could still put Lavendon under pressure and again it was an even game. Lavendon's third came
from a twice taken free kick that was debatable in the first place as the Lavendon player appeared to stand on the ball
and fell to the ground. However the free kick was placed wide of a static keeper.
Mike Landy switched with Luke, who was getting "bored" at the back. The game remained even and Lavendon were deservedly
crowned champions and now make their way to the South Midlands League.
28th April. Away to Thornborough Lost 3-0 (ht 1-0)
A similar game to earlier in the year. We started well, Thornborough scored. This came from a free kick from wide on
the right following a needless foul. We played well and about to get into the game again. Thornborough scored. Their
second came when the striker, with an angled run, was just onside and ran from 40+ yards turned inside and on his left
foot beat the keeper and the chasing defender to put the ball in the bottom right. We kept going, Thornborough scored.
The Thornborough third came in the last 5 minutes when Craig lost control of the ball to put it into his own net.
25th April. Home to Lavendon Sports. Won 3-2 (ht 0-1)
League leaders Lavendon Sports came to Walnut Tree under the pressure that being league leaders with 3 games to go brings.
Few chances for either side in the first half. Lavendon had the lead following a well worked move that enabled a Lavendon
defender free to head the ball across the goal to an on running striker who calmly put the ball away from close range.
Brad made one really excellent save that was headed to his top left corner of the goal.
In the second half with the wind at their backs Manor believed that they would be able to put Lavendon under pressure.
A central long range free kick from Mike Landy thudded against the Lavendon bar and fell down and went in off the keeper.
It was the captain who also got our second when a flick on from Ben Knowles was anticipated by Mike who struck a volley
from close range.
Our third was from Scott who, on the break, drifted in from the right around the defender and slotted home. Other moments
of note were a shot just wide from Jake, who had come on for the injured Ben, and Dan Mulkern being denied by the keeper.
Dave Brennan made a cameo appearance leading the line and caused enough problems to keep the Lavendon defence on their
toes.
Lavendon Sports had a goal disallowed for a foul on Brad.
Pressure late on from a spirited Lavendon side resulted in their second, from close range, with just minutes remaining.
Man of the Match - Head and shoulders above everyone today was our captain Mike Landy.
Four points from the last 3 games will ensure we retain our 6th place league position.
Lavendon's view of the game
The Captains view
April 22nd. Deanshanger Athletic at home. Won 2-1 (ht 1-0)
On a rock hard pitch, the council had decided now that the pitches are dry to spike them we picked up another home win.
The first half was quite even with neither team taking advantage of mistakes or imposing themselves on the game. There
was some occasional glimpses of good football, but no end result until Ryan picked up the ball on the left hand side of the
box and nutmegged the defender before stroking the ball to the keepers left and into the back of the net.
We were livelier at the start of the second half and took the game to Deanshanger. We were soon 2-0 up when
a throw from Mike was met, unchallenged, by Dan Jones who headed past the keeper.
We did make more chances, but the shots were comfortably saved by the Deanshanger keeper. Dan Mulkern had a header, Jake
tried a lob from distance and Russ it the post. At the other end Craig saved with his legs and one opportunity was blasted
over. However Deanshanger were fortunate to get back in the game when the ball was crossed from right to left, over Luke's
head, he turned and the Deanshanger forward struck the ball back in and it hit Luke from close range.
The spot kick was hit cleanly to Craig's left.
Thereafter the game was more open and Deanshanger did press more for the equaliser and we to had opportunities to score,
but the score remained 2-1.
The Captains view
The view of the game from the Trees.
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