South Rushden Rebels v Earls Barton 25/10/2009.
 
The Rebels lost for the 2nd consecutive home game in a close entertaining game. On another day the boys may have forced a draw.
 
Our squad today was: Ali, Greeny, Matt, Sam, Derek, Bolts, Reece, Oli, Scott, Ed and Will. Subs: Lewis and Connor. All the boys again played for at least 20 minutes.
 
The boys started slowly in the 1st half in which the played against a wind that got stronger throughout the game. By more luck than judgement several early Barton attacks were cleared and the boys gradually got into the game and began to play some good football. Ed almost opened the scoring but his left foot shot from the middle of the area just went past the post. At the other end our 4 defenders and Ali kept Barton at bay. It looked like all our hard work was going to be rewarded by reaching half time at 0-0. With 3 minutes to go to the break Barton scored. A break down our right produced a good shot that Ali saved well, the ball however fell at an on running attackers feet to make it 1-0. From the kick off the ball was soon back around our penalty area. Barton scored a fortunate 2nd as a speculative cross-caught the wind and gave Ali no chance as it landed in the far corner of our net. This was hard on the boys as they did not deserve to go in at half time 2 goals down.
Half Time 0-2.
For the 2nd half we played with the wind and spent the majority of the next 30 minutes in their half of the field. Barton did look dangerous on the break but again our defence held firm. Despite everybody’s best effort we could not find a way through. Their keeper making 2 particularly good saves, 1st from a low powerful shot from Lewis and then diving at Bolts feet as he was through on goal.
 
On another day we may have turned this game round. Again we did not get enough crosses or shots in and need to learn from this for the return fixture next week.