| It's amazing what a difference a week can make in the footballing world. Just seven days previously, Gadeside had turned in one of the poorest performances during Adam Hills' three years in charge when they crashed out of the cup against second division Glendale. But they put that result firmly behind them with a superb performance on a mudbath pitch against in-form Dewhurst Guild. They win moves Gadeside up to 3rd place in the league, just four points of leaders Inter FC, whom they must still play twice. |
| The hosts began the game well, moving the ball with pace on a heavy surface which soon began to cut up and became very sticky as the rain continued to fall. But the Gadeside backline were always in command with Tom Oliver in the Gadeside goal quick off his line to avert any half chances. Gadeside soon found their rhythm though and began to cause problems out wide. Both James Bryon and Russ Popplewell tested the visiting full backs and supplied some good crosses into the box. Bryon had to be replaced midway through the first half and Gadeside gave a debut to new signing Ross Standaloft. Adam Hills saw a ferocious effort from 30 yards fly wide while Tariq Khan volleyed just wide from a Popplewell knock down. Gadeside broke the deadlock on the half hour mark when Tom Oliver's huge clearance allowed Popplewell a run on goal and while his initial effort was well saved by Garratt, Tariq Khan was on hand to score the rebound for his fifth of the season. Gadeside were now firmly on the front foot and doubled their lead just before half time. Khan's persistance earned Gadeside a corner and Hills's delivery was met perftecly by Russ Popplewell who powered his header into the roof of the net. |
| Gadeside began the second half under a bit of pressure from Dewhurst but looked comfortable absorbing the attacks and playing on the counter attack. With the middle of the pitch almost unplayable, Gadeside showed good professionalism to get the ball out wide as Dave Nelmes and Daniel Brooks dominated in the centre of midfield. With the hosts pushing men forward Gadeside regularly broke away and looked dangerous going forward though they were not helped by the boggy conditions and a flag happy linesman. Hills fluffed his effort in the mud when put through while Khan was thwarted by the diving Garratt as he shaped to shoot. But the decisive third goal came on 71 minutes when Standaloft and Ian Freeman combined to play in Adam Hills who delivered an inch perfect cross to Popplewell who controlled before slotting past Garratt. |
| Dewhurst continued to push forward but were unable to breakdown the Gadeside defence with Jason Brownhill enjoying a strong game. Popplewell came close to his hat-trick as he cut in from the left but saw his shot blocked before good play by Khan allowed him to find the recently introduced Tom Mitchell who confidently finished past the keeper. Gadeside comfortably saw out the remaining few minutes with Tom Oliver tipping a long range effort from Collins round the post, his first save of the game. |
| If Gadeside can maintain a level of consistency with their performances they could be in with a shout of a promotion push. With tough games coming up though, they need to carry the momentum and take it into next weeks visit to Old Fullerians. On today's evidence however, they should be confident of another vital win. |
| Tom Oliver, Ian Freeman, Jason Brownhill, Matt Evans, Jay Evans, Daniel Brooks, James Bryon (Ross Standaloft (Tom Mitchell)), Dave Nelmes, Tariq Khan, Adam Hills, Russ Popplewell |