Saturday August 1st 2009

DCFC Draw away at Scarborough


DCFC played their first game of the season on Saturday away in sunny Scarborough and were held to a draw despite having the lion's share of possession and chances created.

DCFC lined up 3-5-2 with new captain Matthew Darlington partnering Allen Holliday and Stefan Lambe in defence.

The midfield saw the return of Matthew Mort after over 1 years absence with a fractured collar bone sustained in an IFA tournament in June 2008. DCFC attended the annual StockFest tournament held in Stockport and in the 2nd game a challenge from behind sent Mort to the deck, landing on his collarbone, fracturing it and meaning he spent the next couple of days in a local Stockport hospital. Mort was told not to play football for 9 months whilst he recuperated and has been slowly building up his training since then.

Mort was assisted in Midfield by Robert Cartwright, Joseph Cartwright, Andy Holliday and Dominic Rae

Up front DCFC's 2008/9's top Scorer Andy Evans was partnered by veteran Mark Ephgrave.

The first half started poorly for DCFC who clearly hadn't woken up from having to get up at 6am to make the 3 hour journey over to Scarborough (well driffield actually) where the match was played on Scarborough Athletic's training pitches.

In the first 2 minuites of the game, the scarborough striker was put through by their midfield and out-paced the DCFC to slot home past the goalkeeper.

DCFC then grew into the game and in fact dominated for most of the 1st half. Andrew Evans was giving the defence a torrid time with his pace, and fell foul to numerous (questionable) offside flags after excellent play in the midfield from Joseph Cartwright and Andy Holliday created numerous openings. DCFC's first chance fell to Holliday who was put through by Ephgrave but pulled his shot wide.

DCFC did equalise threw Joseph Cartwright who received the ball on the edge of the box and after beating one defender slammed hom a left foot shot into the top of the net.

Andrew Evans continued to be a thorn in the Scarborough defence and after being played through again beat his man, who this time resorted to the 'any means neccessary' approach and brought him down for a penalty. Joesph Cartwright Stepped up to take the penalty, blasting it down the middle for 2-1.

DCFC continued to push in order to extend their lead but were pegged back by Scarborough scoring from a corner after a defensive mix up. The corner came over and both Joseph Cartwright and Matthew Darlington found themselves going to the same ball, which was only half cleared and found a Scarborough player who fired home from close range.



HT Scarborough 2 DCFC 2



The scond half started much brighter for DCFC than the first half had, they continued to dominate in midfield and created numerous chances for Andrew Evans and Ashley Dolan who replaced Ephgrave. Andrew Evans was put through by Cartwright and forced the 'keeper into a fine save and dolan had an opportunity after running at the defence from the left but putting his shot over. Andy Holliday had a free kick fly just over and after replacing Andrew Evans, Steve 'Emile' Gresty had an effort svaed by the 'keeper when Dolan (who told him so numerous times afterwards) was perhaps better placed.

Dolan did get his goal restoring DCFC's lead.

A throw in from the left was taken by Dom Rae and flicked on by Joseph Cartwright into Dolan's path who volleyed the ball past the keeper at his near post.

Dolan had a chance to double his talley after driving at the defence again from the left but ppulling his shot wide of the near post. Andy Holliday Burst through the defence but could not quite get to the ball before the keeper and Cartwright had an effort blocked by the defence.

DCFC made further changes bring Nathan Auty into midfield for Mort and David Round onto the right for Cartwright.

David Round almost made an instant impact driving nearly the full length og the field to cross towards the waiting Dolan, however the Scarborough Centre back made a last ditch interception.

Scarborough were coming more into the game as DCFC grew frustrated at not being able to find a 4th, likely conclusive goal. DCFC were made to suffer for not taking their chances as with 10 minutes to go Scarbrough again drew level as their player picked the ball up in midfield and drove past Auty into the area and scored with a well-placed shot into the corner.

This massively deflated DCFC and Scarborugh had a further chance after their veteran striker turned on the edge of the box and fired a shot at gardner who pulled off a fine svae, but then had the ability in mind to get straight back up at catch the ball greatfully into his arms.

David Round made a further lung-busting run down the right taking on first the winger and then the left back to Cross for vickers who replaced Cartwright, however his effort was blocked by the 'keeper. Vickers had what turned out to be the last chance of the game after being put through by Rae advanced on the 'keeper only to be thwarted by the referees whistle for offside.


Full time

Scarborough 3 DCFC 3

Team
Gardner

Stef Lambe
Allen Holliday
Matthew Darlington ©

Robert Cartwright (Round 60)
Joseph Cartwright (Vickers 80)
Matthew Mort (Auty 75)
Andy Holliday
Dominic Rae

Mark Ephgrave (Dolan 45)
Andrew Evans (Gresty 60)


Incidentally, Scarborugh have fond memories of Mick Wadsworth and was a cracking night out with plenty of good bars, women and no sign of any trouble all night. DCFC would highly recommend it as we had a belting weekend and spread the good name of Chester City on the East coast.