DCFC let 1st half lead slip as Burnley run out winners.

Sat 15th May 2010

DCFC lead 1-0 at half time but leaked 5 goals in the second half in their penultimate game of the season.

The 1st half was evenly contested with both defences being on top limiting the chances. DCFC were making some headway down the right hand side with Andrew Evans battling away in his usual style. The first real chance came from a free-kick as Hutchison hit the crossbar after beating the wall.

At the other end, Burnley could not get their final ball right at Rixham was always quick off his line to thwart the Burnley strikers. One corner did cause DCFC trouble, the ball being headed back across goal from the far post but the 2nd header was well over when the Bunley lad was well placed to score.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 25th minute and it came from an unusual source. Chris Robinson promoted forward to midfield from right back after impressing in the Merseyside tournament had never scored for DCFC. Hutchison again took a free kick which was driven hard and on target. The Burnley Keeper made a decent save but could not hold onto the ball. Racing in on the 'keeper was Robinson who used his athletic stomach to guide the ball home.

DCFC were buoyant and started to dominate. Allen Jones continued to threat down the left and Ash Dolan had an effort saved by the 'keeper. DCFC Should maybe have gone into the break 2-0 up. Andy evans created the chance for himself, robbing the left back of the ball before advancing on the 'keeper who was quick off his line to close Evans down. Evans chose to shoot rather than chip and pulled his shot agonisingly wide.

HT 1-0

The second half started brightly for Burnley. within 5 mins they had found the equaliser their manager had clearly asked of them. A ball over the top of Steve Mace found their speedy striker Hendy (or 'endeh') who latched onto the ball and slotted home ast gardner in goal.

Burnley had their tails up and raced into a 3-1 lead as the DCFC defence struggled to come with their pace. First a ball between Allen Holliday and Dan Watlin again exposed DCFC and again the striker slotted home with aplomb. For the 3rd goal Burnely again went direct and the DCFC defence failed to cope with a long ball over the defence and the result was becoming repetitive.

DCFC did not give up however. As has become their style this season, they dug in and got themselves back into the game. Allen Jones found space in midfield before firing wide and Andy holliday slipped a ball to Andy Evans which unfortunately had too much pace, allowing the 'keeper to gather. Chris Robinson also had a chance to grab his 2nd of the game, his header from the corner was unluck to be straight at the 'keeper.

DCFC got back into the game with a fine goal from Ash Dolan, however he had alot to thank Robinson for. Robinson stole the ball in mifield before running past the Burnley centre back, he was pulling left where Ash Dolan took over for him and expertly sliiped his left-foot shot inside the onrushing 'keeper in in for his 12th of the season.

DCFC continued to press and looked favourites for the equaliser. Hutchison again hit the bar with a free kick and after fine work on the left by Ash Dolan, his cross was spot on to the back post where there was, agonisingly, no-one from either Burnley or DCFC leading to the chance going begging.

Again DCFC pushed down the left as this time 2 DCFC players were at the back post, however both Dolan and Evans were inches from making connection with the left wing cross, much to Dolan's clear frustration.

Chris Rixham came into the midfield with 15 minutes to go and almost got himself and assist as his neat through ball to Evans was only just mopped up by the opposing 'keeper.

The DCFC push was killed off though with a 4th burnley goal, excellent running from the Burnley left back, an inspired substitution at half time so it proved) saw him twist and turn into the box before firing past Gardner. To add insult to the injury he then played a long ball from the back which found the Burnley striker in space which he used to full effect to make it 2-5.

FT 2-5

Team (4-3-3)

Rixham (Gardner '45)

Mace (Rixham '75)
Stefan Lambe
Allen Holliday
Watling

Andy Holliday
Robinson
Hutchison

Evans
Dolan
Allen Jones


MOTM Tomas Hutchison.