17 th October 2024
K.O. 13.00
Venue – Barking FC
Match Report
The annual fixture between the two adversaries was played at Barking Football Club, on a day perfect for a match of this magnitude. Despite the recent loss against a very strong Army side, the Prison Service Team had been looking forward to playing again, with performances and squad numbers on the up.
Before the game, the Service Team welcomed 4 new players and one returning after several years due to a serious injury. This was well received by the management team, as once again dropouts and work commitments depleted the squad in the week leading up to the game.
The game began with both teams trying to keep the ball without threatening either goal, and settle themselves into the game. However, on 4 mins the Service striker Wayne Powney had a shot blocked. This sparked Lloyds somewhat and they started to look dangerous causing problems to the new look Service defence who should have taken the lead but blazed over the bar from the 6-yard box, a let off for the Service.
On 10 mins new debutant Steve Lalley crossed for Martyn Clover to shoot just wide from the edge of the box. For the next 20 mins both sides showed how good they were, playing some good controlled, possession football, with the Service Centre Mid, Darren Worrall the only player to trouble either goal.
Lloyds created another chance, shooting wide after the Service were caught dwelling on the ball. From the resulting goal kick a fine move from back to front saw Jermaine Gordon fire wide for the Service, then Service stalwart, Andy Dengate hit the angle of the Lloyds goal from 25 yards. Against the run of play Lloyds earned a corner which they took quickly and caught out the Service defence, and despite the best efforts of Luke Garner on the line could not stop Lloyds taking the lead.
This did not affect the Service team as they carried on pressing forward and a penalty shout was waved away when Wayne Powney went down under a challenge from a Lloyds defender, when he was through on goal in the area.
The second half continued with the Service on the front foot creating half chances, but still searching for that one big opportunity to level matters. From this point the Service Team were well on top and a well worked free kick brought a good save from the Lloyds Goalkeeper denying Ellis Horsefield. It was the same player causing all kinds of problems for the home team, with the Service attacking predominantly down the right flank, this time Jermaine Gordan going close with a header from a Horsefield cross.
Another player making his debut, Erkan Okay, came on as a sub and quickly settled into the game linking play well and forcing a good save from the Lloyds goalkeeper following a one two with Paul Thompson. Barry Andrews in the Service goal was only fielding back passes for the majority of the second half, and it was his ball over the top for Horsefield to once again have a penalty shout overturned.
Despite all the possession and numerous shoots at goal, and hitting the woodwork for a second time, the Service could not breach the Lloyds goal, and the game finished 1-0 to Lloyds.
Although the result was a defeat for the Service team, a lot of positives came out of the game with all the new debutants having a positive impact on the game. A very enjoyable game played in a good competitive spirit with some excellent football.
Prison Service Squad
Barry Andrews
John Bailey
Luke Garner ©
Tim Hotchin
Wayne Vaughan
Steve Lalley
Andy Dengate
Martyn Clover
Darren Worrall
Ellis Horsefield
Wayne Pawney
Jermaine Gordan
Paul Thompson
Erkan Okay
Dave Frisby
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