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Saturday, December 26, 2009 Bright sunshine and a scorching 9 degrees of winter sun greeted Boxing Day supporters to Sheepy Road. Upon Rothwell’s arrival rumours spread about the overnight resignation of their manager but they nevertheless managed to field a strong team. Former Adder’s boss Jimmy Ginnelly was also spotted in the crowd. In what turned out to be an ill tempered game with no less than 4 players booked from each side Rothwell had the first chance when an Adder’s defensive slip gave the visitors a soft corner and Jason Turner had a close range effort cleared off the line which bounced into the path of their Steve Julian but he only found the waiting arms of Woakes. Ten minutes in and Adder’s had their first chance when Guiney was fouled 30 yards out. The resultant free kick found its way into the area and eventually to Simeon Smith who chipped just wide. With the match being fairly even Woakes was called into action and came out 10 yards to make a one on one save against the persistent Turner.The breakthrough came on 32 minutes when Simeon Smith was presented a loose ball after a forced error from keeper Crocket. Smith then rounded the stranded keeper and smoothly drove the ball into the bottom left corner of the empty net. On 43 minutes the advantage was doubled when Grant Roscorla forced his way down the left flank and crossed to Smith who was waiting on the penalty spot but the player was callously hacked down by Bobby White giving the referee an easy decision. Ex Lamb Gareth Sheldon subsequently stepped up to the mark.
After the break Rothwell came out full of purpose and soon had a goal back from a close range header by Robbie Maddox. Four minutes later and the visitors were level when their Brett Darby managed to release a close range volley from the edge of the D into the top right corner of the net. The visitors continued to press and started to edge the game and Woakes was called into action several times including an excellent double save before the Adder’s began to turn it around and on 70 minutes Smith delivered a superb through ball to Hendrie but the latter fluffed his shot. The game was then finely balanced but on 86 minutes Anthony Bruce delivered a first class `strike’ from the right hand corner flag which glided into the top left corner of the net from an almost impossible angle. However, at 3 -2 Rothwell were not done with and nearly grabbed an equaliser when Darby curved a shot at the Adder’s goal from 20 yards but it bounced harmlessly off the upright. The visitors then became stretched and Smith capitalised on another goal keeping error from Crockett and nailed the game with his second in almost identical fashion to his first goal. Atherstone Team:
Team: 1. Nathan Woakes, 2. Anthony Bruce, 3. Brendan Murphy, 4. Tom Guiney ©, 5. Dave Haywood, 6.Conor Fulford, 7. Robbie Banks, 8. Dean Rathbone, 9. Gareth Sheldon, 10. Simeon Smith, 11. Grant Roscorla. Subs; 12. Luke Keen, 15. Stuart Hendrie, 16. Giovanni Dainty, Not used :14. Levi Bailey,17 Adam Henchcliffe. Attendance: 205 Man of the Match: NATHAN WOAKES Referee: CHRIS MARSDEN
Match Reports
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