DCFC Storm to victory over local rivals

DCFC 3 vs Tranmere Rovers 1
Sat 28th November 2009


DCFC grabbed a fine win on saturday which helps them break into the top 30, just 3 points off the top 20 in the 72-team IFA league.

DCFC welcomed back Allen Holliday and Dominic Rae to the starting line-up and Chris Rixham returned to fight for the 'keeper's gloves.

Tranmere however, started the brighter and after a through ball hit the outside of the post early on.

In truth, tranmere dominated the early period and in the 10th minute took the lead. A corner from the right was only half cleared to the Tranmere right back who's deep cross was well converted by the Tranmere No.8.

Almost immediately however DCFC were down the other end, Allen Jones winning a corner after some excellent running from Holliday's long pass.

Hutchinson took the resulting corner which was half-cleared, this time by Tranmere. The ball fell kindly to O'Neill who struck a first time shot goalwards. The goalbound effort was intercepted by Dolan, who turned his man brilliantly before firing home.

The game then swung firmly in DCFC's favour, Allen Jones was doing sterling work running the channels and was played in by Dom Rae down the left, Jones took on the right back before firing a powerful shot into the side netting.

Allen Jones and Dom Rae combined well again, this time it was Dom Rae who had the effort from the edge of the box, the ball going just wide.

Jay O'Neill put Hutchinson through on the right, Hutchinson aimed his cross for Dom Rae but the Tranmere defender beat rae to the ball, unfortunately for him he poked the ball past his own 'keeper.

DCFC had a chance to make it 3-1 from a free kick which was well cleared after a scramble.

Tranmere did push back towards the end of the first half, looking for the equaliser. They had a succession of 3 corners all of which were dealt with by a sturdy DCFC defence.

The final chance of the game fell to the Tranmere No.8 who received the ball from the left before turning well onto his right foot and blasting an effort through a crowded 18 yard box. Somehow, Gardner, who must have seen it very late indeed, got down to his left and strong-armed the ball over the cross bar. A world-class save to keep his team in the lead.



HT 2-1


At half time DCFC expected tranmere to come at them in search for the equaliser.

In fact it was DCFC who continued to play the better football. Dom Rae again found space on the edge of the box and fired his shot unfortuntaely straight at the 'keeper.

Dolan then received the ball on the half way line and turned the central defender excellently before making off towards goal. When he reached the 18 yard box the centre back was right on Dolan's shoulder but he stayed strong and brushed him off before appying a clinical finish into the 'keeper's left-hand corner for 3-1.

DCFC continued to pile forward and perhaps should have made it 4-1. Daniel Watling used his pace to strip the Tranmere defence and was clean through one-on-one with the 'keeper. The Tranmere Goalie raced out to meet Watling and ultimately smothered his effort.

Tranmere, who were yet to threaten Rixham in goal were becoming increasingly frustrated at their inabilitiy to breach the DCFC defence. DCFC's commitment shone through and included Andrew Evans (normally a striker) filling in at right wing back for O'Neill who limped off with ankle problems. The Tranmere No.11 on the left wing was enjoying much of the ball and had a fine low cross beat every man and roll out for a throw.

The same player then raced into the 18 yard box but received a hefty challenge from Allen Holliday which took the wind out of him. The same player was again unfortunate to receive another strong challenge not long after, Stef Lambe received a warning from the referee.

The left winger eventually dusted himself down to unleash a shot which rixham saved with his legs.

At the other end Phill Lambe almost scored after some lax marking by Tranmere as they pushed forward and the 'keeper had to be quick off his line to thwart Salmon in a further chance before the last moments in the game where DCFC's defence stood strong to aerial pressure to ensure Rixham maintained his 2nd half clean sheet.


FT 3-1


Team

3-5-2


Gardner (Rixham 45)

Mace © (S Lambe 60)
Allen Holliday
Robinson

O'Neill (Evans 45)
Andy Holliday (P lambe 80)
Hutchinson
Rae
Watling

Dolan (Ephgrave 55)
Jones (Salmon 75)