"In similar fashion to a fine wine, the
2003/2004 campaign seems to be
getting better as time goes on."
After a decidedly
shaky start to the season, a few subtle changes from gaffer Ivey have
pathed the way for a 3 match winning streak. The Billy Behan "group
of death", as its affectionately become known, will be a tough, nerve-jangling
and a cagey affair. Heath did themselves nothing but favours in re-paying
Northampton United for the league defeat four weeks ago.
On a Dallington Park pitch that had more curves than an episode of Baywatch,
the battle commenced. Marc Jeffrey got things off to a dream start applying
the finishing touch to a crisp Bob Tansley cross, Kings Heath were up
1-0 early on.
As monsoon season hit Dallington, Heath were taking their time to apply
any real quality to their football. This wasn't a problem though. Northampton
United seemed shell-shocked by the early goal, and a second looked inevitable.
After a scramble from a corner, Dave Robinson was on hand to double
the Heath's advantage. Both teams then began to adapt to the conditions,
a rare slip in defence allowed the lively Bob Wager in on goal. An un-lucky
intervension from Nick Blenco saw the referee award a penalty in Northampton
United's favour. This was to be the turning point in the game.
Olly Urquhart proved his class with a strong save from the spot-kick,
denying N'pton Utd a way back into the game. For the remainder of the
half, Kings Heath never looked back. An inch perfect Glenn Billingham
cross was converted by Craig Sampson for 3-0. Heath carved out half-chances
at will, but the half-time score remained 3-0.
The tropical rainstorm had cleared up by the second-half, and so had
the attacking impotus. The second period started brightly enough with
Marc Jeffers adding his second and Kings Heath's fourth. The prolific
Jeffers showing fantastic awareness to tuck home a rebound. Being denied
a chance of a hat-trick, Jeffers was then rested and made way for Martin
Allen.
The second-half was played out as a formality, N'pton Utd knew they
were beaten and Heath looked happy with what they had. Agile keeping
from Olly Urquhart meant Heath had kept a rare clean sheet. One save
at full stretch from centre-half Nick Blenco, and one athletic save
from a Luke Jones effort kept Urquhart busy.
It was then party time at the Rifle Butt, with many players excused
from the public house proceedings, it was left for 8 brave players to
eat for 16 men. This was accomplished with few problems.
Kings Heath United (4-4-2):
O.Urquhart
G.Billingham, N.Blenco, R.Page, W.Hamill
D.Robinson, A.Blenco, J.Anger, B.Tansley (C.Davies)
C.Sampson, M.Jeffrey (M.Allen)
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