Match Report 07.11.09: Rayleigh Town 5 Faces 0

Faces made the trip to Rayleigh with almost an unchanged side from the week before. The exception being James Danderson who donned the gloves in between the sticks after the late withdrawal of Luke Roust through injury/hangover. Manager Gareth Collins decided to go with the same formation of 4-5-1 in an effort to pack the midfield and stifle the opposition.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with neither side taking a grip on the game, both guilty of giving possession away cheaply. The first half an hour passed without any notable chances although the home side looked the more dangerous with there bombardment of long balls which were causing the Faces defence problems. The pressure was beginning to tell and it was only the heroics of stand in keeper Danderson who prevented the home side from taking the lead with two outstanding saves, the first reminiscent of a young Gordon Banks against Brazil. As the first half was coming to an end the home side eventually made the break through when an unchallenged Carl Baldwin spanked in a 30 yarder that left the keeper with no chance. Half time 1-0 to the home side.

The formation at HT was changed to 4-4-2 in an attempt to produce more going forward but this led to more space in midfield for Rayleigh and the game was effectively over within 10 minutes of the re start with two quick goals from Welcome Mtshali and a 2nd for Carl Baldwin. The usual gremlins then began to surface for Faces with players yet again arguing and blaming each other rather than collectively supporting each other and playing as a team. This played right into the hands of Rayleigh who took full advantage by adding goals 4 and 5 courtesy of James Blewitt and another for Carl Baldwin who treated himself to a hat trick. Final score Rayleigh 5 Faces 0.

Manager's Verdict: A dreadful performance and total lack of team spirit. Relegation looms unless things change.

Star Man - James Danderson for the second time in three weeks. Great attitude despite the bombardment of pressure capped with two outstanding saves.




James Danderson 8
Sam Carter 6
Joe Gadson 6
Darren Chetcuti 6
Billy Swick 6
Oti Ikombi 6
Stuart David 6
Jeff Wilks 5
Damien Yoxall 5
David Day 6
Roy Darbo 6

Abraham Mahmood 5
Timi Olomofe 5
Micheal James 5