Football League team win at KC

If the Football League had taken their chances, then the likely score would have merited the domination they had in this one-sided game. I counted at least a dozen attempts on goal during the game and a little more accuracy in front might have made the game a different matter. On the night, the likes of Watford’s Chris Eagles (on loan from Man Utd) practically ran the show and gave the Italian full backs a really hard time as he tormented them with his direct running and close ball control.

The Italians didn’t seem to have a cutting edge up front and apart from Carlotti, who looked distinctly promising in midfield, they didn’t really deserve anything. Neither of the FL keepers had a lot to do, whereas the Italian League keeper was kept busy by a succession of shots and headers.

The goal came on 68 minutes, after good work down the flank by Eagles, beating his man, then feeding MK Dons’ Izale McLeod, whose powerful shot cracked the underside of the cross bar, and Dexter Blackstock of Southampton rammed home the rebound from about 5 yards.

It was never a dirty game, though the Italian League players saw 3 yellow cards, mainly for niggly little things, and a last minute red for Rossi after a challenge on McLeod. The tackle was late and from behind, so the referee had no option but to show the red. By then, the game was winding down as the FL knew they had won.

John Welsh was made captain for the night and looked comfortable in his role, which very often saw him just in front of the back four at the start but as the game went on he got forwards more and more. He always seemed to be available to receive the pass but his distribution wasn’t quite as good as he would have liked. He got forwards enough to test the Italian goalkeeper on more than one occasion, and clearly enjoyed his night being captain.

Billy Paynter was unlucky early on as he had a header apparently saved on the line, but from where I was sat on the East Stand (not my usual place!) it was hard to be sure if the ball was on the line or over. However, he caused problems all game for the Italian defenders and he’ll take some confidence from that.

Scott Wiseman came on at halftime and immediately offered Eagles, who was MOM for the FL, an attacking option down the left hand side, being more willing to come forwards. Like any good defender, Scott didn’t neglect his defensive duties either, never looking in any trouble.