Lost 2 – 3
Scorers: Martin Long-Castro, Neil Barnes
MoM: Nirpal Saraon
With thanks to team sponsor MMil http://www.batchelorcoop.co.uk
Having boasted numbers comparable to a full size ‘1st XI’ squad for last week’s home game, the Millers were back on the road on Saturday, heading to Gravesend with (coincidentally) reduced numbers.
Canterbury took a while to settle into their rhythm and, regrettably, while doing so, conceded from two short corners in the opening 25minutes. Both shots were initially well-saved by Goulden but the home side reacting quicker to the rebounds. However, proving that last week’s exceptional diving save (full details available on application) was no fluke, Goulden pulled off a replica save to keep the arrears at two.
This was to be a crucial turning point, as the visitors were gradually growing into the game. Shortly before half time, and following some excellent build-up play, the Millers managed to pull one back with Martin Long-Castro providing the clinical finish to make it 2-1 at the break.
The second half started well, with consistent periods of possession and pressure from the visitors and lots of turnover ball in midfield. Ten minutes into the second half a through ball, which deflected up off a defender’s stick, found Neil Barnes unmarked at the top of the D. The resulting volley rocketed into the net (narrowly clearing the keeper’s helmet) for a spectacular equaliser and, later, prompted much debate with Barnes Jnr (who scored for the Squires), as to who had the days ‘bragging rights’!
The fairy-tale ending wasn’t to be though. An unfortunate deflection, off a Canterbury foot, saw Goulden wrong-footed shortly before the final whistle and all three points staying in Gravesend. An unlucky finish to the match but lots of positives, particularly for the younger players, to take from the game. Nirpal Saraon put in a solid performance at centre-back to take the man of the match award.