PLOUGH EATON BRAY 4 - 2 WAYSIDE

Plough Eaton Bray threw the division 3 promotion race right open on Sunday when they deservedly beat Wayside 4-2. Wayside came into the game 4 league places higher than the Plough, but the Eaton Bray side looked in confident mood as they welcomed their biggest match squad of the season. Plough particularly welcomed back the return of Lee Loasby who replaced the injured Mark Chambers at sweeper.

With the sun shining very bright, the Plough skipper Rob Johnstone won the toss and decided to play downhill first. From the outset, the Plough looked to get amongst their opponents and not give them anytime and this looked to be working as the midfield trio of Deciacco, Howells and Colleran dominated the opening exchanges. Wayside looked a little shell shocked as they might have imagined they were in for an easier game looking at the league positions. They were to get an even bigger shock after 8 minutes when the Plough opened the scoring.

Ben Tye found himself in acres of space on the right handside of the pitch and had all the time to whip the ball into the box. The ball looked a little behind the run of the two Plough strikers, however all a sudden Deciacco arrived late in the box and powered a header into the roof of the net from almost the edge of the penalty area. It was superb header from the Norwegian; his first goal since his return to the club, and it left the keeper with absolutely no chance.

Plough continued to get on top of Wayside, limiting their opponents to shots from distance. Anthony Chambers and Phil Allen were defending from the front as they were giving the Wayside defence no time to pick out any passes. Lee Loasby looked cool at the back, tacking his time on the ball and setting up many Plough attacks. With Wayside beginning to edge their way into the game, they were dealt a huge blow as the Plough doubled their lead.

Lee Loasby made a superb challenge on the edge of the Plough penalty area and the ball ran to Rob Johnstone. He played a long ball up field which was more hopeful than anything which was misjudged by the Wayside defence. Anthony Chambers managed to get himself between the last defender and the oncoming goalkeeper to steer the ball into the open net. Chambers thoroughly deserved his goal through his own persistence in pressuring the Wayside defenders.

Chances continued to come for the Plough with Phil Allen twice dragging the ball just wide of the far post when through on goal. Chambers also went close again after superb work on the left handside of the pitch by James Baldry. Chambers couldn't keep his shot down though. While chances were being creating at one end of the pitch, the Plough were keeping things tight at the other. Deciacco was doing a superb job anchoring the midfield and protecting the defence of Loasby, Johnstone and Reddington.

Half time came with the Plough leading Wayside 2-0. Although this was a very good half of football for the Plough, they could not afford to ease off as there were signs in the first half that Wayside did have a few players who could hurt you if given a chance.

Plough started the second half and were instantly put on the back foot after a very sloppy kick off routine which resulted in them conceding a corner. However, safe hands in the Plough goal by Jaco Jacobs eased the pressure for a moment. With the pressure building on the Plough defence, the only escape route was a long ball forward for Allen and Chambers to chase. Eventually the Plough defence was breached although it did take a very clever move to happen.

With the Plough enjoying one of their first ventures into the Wayside half since half time, possession was given away and Wayside broke very quickly. Ben Tye was left exposed on the right handside of the pitch and despite the best efforts of Rob Johnstone to try and get across to help, they couldn't prevent the cross into the box. The cross found an unmarked striker who had the simple task of slipping the ball past Jacobs. The Plough made sure that their heads didn't go down and continued to battle against the physical Wayside team. The two goal lead was restored very soon.

A hopeful cross into the area by Anthony Chambers was not dealt with and in the middle of a goal mouth scramble, Phil Allen was there to bundle the ball into the back of the net to score his third goal of the season. The Plough had sent the perfect reply to the all the Wayside pressure and although they still had to defend for another 30 minutes, the Plough were in confident mood that they could hold out. By this time, Wayside were getting a bit frustrated and started to lost their patience with the clever tactics that the Plough were employing. Deciacco was accused of diving by the loud mouth number 10, even though it was clear that he was hacked to the floor. Hard challenges were being thrown in by both sets of players and even young James Baldry began to upset his opponent as he got involved in a pushing match with his opposite number who looked as though he had just got out of crèche.

Wayside were to give the Plough one more scare before the end as they brought the scores closer again. For the first time in the game, a misunderstanding in the Plough defence allowed the Wayside striker a clean strike on goal, which he rifled past the helpless Jacobs. Despite dominating for large periods, Plough proved once again that they are finding it hard to keep clean sheets at the moment.

Plough hit back almost straight away again. James Baldry's cross went high into the penalty area and Phil Allen out-jumped the advancing Wayside keeper to head the ball into the empty net. It was no more than Allen had deserved for all his hard work throughout the whole game.

The final whistle went with the Plough having sent a real message to one of their major promotion rivals. Despite conceding two goals, the defensive partnership of Reddington and Johnstone looks strong. Lee Loasby added a little bit of class to the mix with a superb display at sweeper. In midfield, the Plough looked dominant - Deciacco was as solid as a rock again and will be relishing the return of his midfield partner Nick Howard next week. For the first time this season, Plough looked as though they could score goals - Chambers and Allen looked dangerous up front all game and will be encouraged by their goals.

Plough man of the match - Chris Deciacco

JACO JACOBS - 7

Didn't have too many saves to make and was at no fault for either of the goals. Claims crosses very well and with superb hands. Distribution was pretty poor today.

KEVIN REDDINGTON - 7

No thrills defending from the veteran but he got the job done effectively. Very good in the air once again.

ROB JOHNSTONE - 8

Best game of the season for the captain. Much better in the air and set-up the second goal with excellent 50 yard ball.

LEE LOASBY - 9

Marshalled his defence very well and never looked in trouble when on the ball. Cleared up behind his defensive colleagues whenever they made an occasional slip.

BEN TYE - 7

Fantastic cross for the first Plough goal. Got up and down the flank well but tired early. Replaced by Jamie Windmill after 62 minutes.

JAMES BALDRY - 7

CHRIS DECIACCO - 9 - MOM

Never stopped battling and set the tempo for the whole team. Scored a wonderful header to set the Plough on their way to a memorable victory. His desire has been missed in recent months.

MARK COLLERAN - 7

Added energy to the centre of midfield and got more involved than he has recently.. Acted as a nuisance to his opponents by never giving them time when on the ball. Conceded quite a few fouls by committing himself in the tackle.

ALEX HOWELLS - 7

Drifts in and out of the game a bit too much but does have his moments where he really influences the game. His midfield colleagues allowed him to get forward and create for his attackers.

ANTHONY CHAMBERS - 8

Closed down defenders at every given opportunity. Held the ball up well and thoroughly deserved his goal. Replaced by Andrew Hillier after 79 minutes.

PHIL ALLEN - 9

Completely dominant in the air which create chances for his team mates. Held ball well and relieved pressure from defence. Took his goals very well indeed.