Bombarralense
started well and were intent on attacking the Wigs. It was fast a furious start with both sides working the channels well.
Rodgers, Paul and Elliot were working hard assisted by Champion and Jambo in the heart of midfield. You sensed this was a
huge game. Then disaster and first blood to the lads from Portugal. A cross from the left and both defence and keeper dithered and the Bombarralense striker pounced. It still remains unclear whether Gadd or the defence were at fault but the
lad took it well and 1-0 to Bombarralense. Their manager and coaching staff were at this point getting
excited and smelt a famous victory in the offing, The coach had to be restrained by the fourth official for celebrating. Wigs
though fought back and numerous attacks came to nothing Barnett did a step over , no - not over the ball but over a man and
won applause from Gibbons. Tireless work by our midfield seemed to be creating chance but Bombarralense
looked good on the break and that is where their second came from . Caught down the right, Rob was left the man chasing the
striker....he admitted afterwards he should have put the ball out but these things happen.....the striker got the better of
him and one on one with Gadd...our keeper was left picking the ball out of the net ...2-0 alarm bells ringing despite the
fact that Wigs had not played badly. But then the fight back....from the back Peter Gibbons started to take control and the
spine of the team rallied. Elliot was working hard up front and creating space. Then the comeback....Champion picked up the
ball in the middle...an inch perfect ball to Paul on the left who spotted the charging Rodgers ..a great ball to JR who surged
through into the box and was fouled...no decision to think about ..the ref had to point to the spot.....up stepped Rodgers
to slide home the penalty....2-1 half-time...Wigs sensed life in the old dog yet....
SECOND HALF
After a team talk from Champion there seemed an upbeat mood. Wigs knew this was the
biggest second half of their season. The goal before half-time had given them a life-line. Champion stressed the need to work
hard tracking back .
No changes were made second-half and Wigs started much better. Gibbons was commanding
at the back helped by Rob and with Trussy getting forward more it helped. Can't remember much about the early part . Barnett
broke down the right a bit and managed a few crosses and we also had a couple of corners. Then an inspired substitution by
Champion . He brought young Ben Walton off and replaced him with Nick Kirby (Simon) . Kirby moved to right-wing and Barnett
slotted back into right-back. Within a minute,
goal. Think it was Champion again with the ball.. .It was that man Rodgers again who did the damage....a mazy run down the
left similar to Maradona in 1986 or Barnes against Brazil.....he finally had just the keeper to beat, the bal I think ran
away from him but Elliot was there to smash the ball home. 2-2 Wigs were back.
After the goal it was all Wigs....three corner in succession nearly produced a goal
and there keeper flapped...our defence stood tall and I thought Rob worked hard at getting us higher up the pitch. Gadd had
enough time to play Placation ...Wigs were in control. The defence looked solid and Gibbons was in fine form. We looked like
a real team again and everyone was playing their part. Then the moment came.....I think it was Simon down the right who crossed
it in and somehow Elliot found himself with just the keeper to beat....first shot was saved I think and then with the goal
staring at him, he somehow hoofed it over. The ref blew her whistle and Wigs left feeling they were the better team in the
second half. Perhaps a fair result. Elliot was gutted he had missed but he had worked hard all game and was just
unlucky and it's easy for us to say he should have scored......all in all ..Wigs were back and had put up a real fight
when it was most needed.....
