Facing Uxbridge, who are going for a play-off place, at the Denplan Stadium, the heavy pitch, greasey surface and high wind caused problems for both teams on Saturday and as a consequence the game never really flowed but a competitive match resulted despite the conditions.
City’s James Wilson was booked in the first tackle of the game when the Referee failed to take the condition into account and this rather set the pattern for the rest of the game.
Uxbridge probably shaded the first half with the spotlight on the City defence which played extremely well. Steve Llewllwyn maintained the centre half spot with Matt Bowler coming back from suspension taking the number 7 shirt and playing a deep- lying game. Wilson and Adam Lang managed some forward runs but the excellent Uxbridge defence gave the City attack no room. City’s mid-field with Sam Lockyer, Adam George and Scott Gilham in particular, working hard managed to break up the Uxbridge attacks.
Stuart Hussey made a tight turn and controlled the ball well to put in City’s first shot of the afternoon but he was unable to get enough power and the Uxbridge keeper easily saved. It was Hussey who created the next chance when he was held back on the edge of the area and Nathan Lynch headed the resultant free kick just over the bar.
At the other end a diving header looked goal-bound but the ball continued to rise and just cleared the bar. A few minutes later it looked as if City had conceded a penalty but the referee turned down the Uxbridge appeals and instead booked the player for ‘diving’. Clint Davies was called into action and made two competent saves as Uxbridge turned up the pressure but as the half ended a snap shot from Dave Allen was blocked with the Uxbridge keeper unsighted.
The second half started with Manager Andy Leader surprising everyone by making all three substitutions during the break. James Davis, Aaron Parfitt (making his home debut) and James Knight (making his debut) came on for Lang, Wilson and Hussey. Knight immediately impressed with a shot over the bar and continued to make a contribution with his speed and accurate crosses. Parfitt also continued his good work from the previous week at Farnborough.
Davies kept City in the game with a save from close range but gradually City gained control and a run from Allen saw his shot well saved and then a cross from Davis who did well to win the ball on the edge of the penalty area, saw Lynch head over from close range. Knight was pulled down on a run towards goal and Lockyer curled the free kick just wide of the far post. Knight then crossed again for Lynch to force the keeper into a save which he fumbled but recovered well to clear.
With the 90 minutes up a 0-0 draw looked on the cards but in injury time Allen somehow managed to get a touch when he was brought down by a defender who missed his tackle. The ball squirted out to Lynch who took a touch, drew the keeper and slotted home the winner .
City: Clint Davies, James Wilson, Adam Lang, Adam George, Dave Llewellyn, Scott Gilham, Matt Bowler, Dave Allen, Nathan Lynch, Stuart Hussey, Sam Lockyer, Subsititues: James Davis (46th), Aaron Parfitt (46th), James Knight (46th), Tom Riddell, Chris Elliot.
This Saturday City are away to Marlow, kick off 3.00p.m.
