Saturday 29nd November 2008

Ridgeons League Division 1

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MOCO TRAVEL

Diss Town won their sixth away league match in the last seven played at 4^th placed Godmanchester. The Tangerines were behind at half time despite playing well and dominated the second half to secure a win that was more convincing than the score would suggest.

Graeme Thackray raced back to clear after Danny Partridge rounded ex-Tangerine goalkeeper Ally McAnally in the 6^th minute. Ashley Smith made a superb save high to his left four minutes later to keep out a deflected 20 yard shot by Lee Boon. Mark Shadrack cleared the ball off the line at the resulting corner. Ed Cussons low 20 yard strike seemed to go into the side netting via the finger tips of the goalkeeper but a goal kick was awarded.

In the 23^rd minute a low cross from the right by Paul Bass flew into the net as James Wilson slid back under pressure from Neil Morris. Diss finished the first half strongly. A superb ball from Steve Wright allowed Partridge to move into the penalty area and draw an excellent point blank block eight yards from goal from McAnally.

Godmanchester had a great chance to go 2-0 up in the 54^th minute when Rob Stamper shot wide when unmarked at a corner. Diss equalised in the 60^th minute when Ben Soanes ran at the home defence and unleashed a 20 yard shot. It struck Partridge on the back but fell to Osiris Gomes inside the penalty area on the left. He beat a defender before cutting inside to hit a right foot shot from ten yards out. The ball was deflected up off Stephen Hurst and went past McAnally into the roof of the net. Either side of the goal Partridge was off target with shots when well placed.

Partridge won the ball in the 69^th minute and played the ball through for Soanes to race into the penalty area. He was brought down by McAnally, but the referee waved play on with a penalty and a red card looking likely. Smith made a brilliant save low to his right to turn away a 20 yard shot from bass in the 71^st minute. A minute later Diss broke quickly from the resulting corner and McAnally was sent off. Gomes sent Partridge clear of the home defence and he was brought down by a wild challenge just outside the penalty area. Substitute goalkeeper Tim Trebbs was immediately brought on and did well to gather the low free kick from Adie Hayes.

Gomes moved into the penalty area wide on the left in the 75^th minute and was brought down by Ashley Richards. The referee was perfectly placed and indicated a free kick. After showing Richards a yellow card a penalty was awarded. Adie Hayes kept calm as the home team protested strongly and sent the penalty kick into the top corner of the net.

Diss team: Ashley Smith, Mark Shadrack, Ed Cussons, James Wilson, Steve Best, Adie Hayes, Steve Wright, Ben Soanes, Danny Partridge, George Wilson, Osiris Gomes.

Diss subs: Craigh Beckham (for G Wilson 86 mins), Steve Beasley and Nathan Brown.

Attendance: 67.