Match Report: Loughborough Dynamo vs. Stamford, 29th Nov 2011
After Stamford gained top spot at the weekend they let pole position slip away little over 72 hours later with a timid performance away at Loughborough Dynamo.
Stamford started slowly and shot themselves in the foot after only 3 minutes when Luke Garton let a cross field pass somehow slip under his boot, Jack Dale-Brown raced down the wing and crossed to the far post where Sam MacVicar headed the ball back across to Dan Henton for a simple tap in at the near post.
This should have been a wakeup call for the Daniels but moments later they were again at sixes and sevens when a deep cross found ex Stamford forward Jamie Clarke unmarked but his volley with only Ziccardi to beat was well wide.
Once again the Stamford lost the ball in midfield and Jacob Blackwell let fly from distance and fortunately for the Daniels the tricky wingers shot rattled the crossbar.
Stamford’s first meaningful chance came after 30 minutes a great cross by Harry Deane who was the bright spark for the Daniels in the first half, was met by Nick Ghislanzoni’s header which was fumbled by the keeper but cleared at the second attempt.
Stamford were then unlucky with a short corner that caught Loughborough napping, Jake Gibson rolled the corner to Nathan Watson who was on the edge of the area he took a touch and hit a fierce drive that only just skimmed the crossbar.
The second half saw a bit more of an improvement from Stamford but ultimately in trying to get back into the game they were caught on a counter attack which killed any thoughts of a fight back.
A neat run and cross by Danny Steadman saw Joe Pheasants header tipped over by the keeper. And Nick Ghislanzoni had a shout for a penalty after he looked to have been caught in the area but his appeals were waved away by Sian Massey who was refereeing.
A mistake by Andy Toyne losing the ball in the middle saw the ball played out to Jamie Clarke his cross/shot was well cut out by Miles Chamberlain and cleared by Adam Hewitt.
Clarke then had a free header after a cross from Henton go wide with only Ziccardi to beat.
Danny Steadman played a pass in to Nick Ghislanzoni who let the ball run through his legs to the onrushing Jake Gibson and his first time shot from the edge of the area took a wicked deflection and just shaved the post for a corner with the keeper rooted to the spot.
Loughborough doubled the lead with 20 minutes to go a long punt up field by Jake Betts found MacVicar and he shot from the edge of the penalty area through Ziccardi’s legs and into the net.
A disappointing night for the Daniels losing top spot to Sheffield FC and tamely giving all three points to an improving Dynamo side.
Stamford:- Ziccardi, Garton, Hewitt, Pheasant, Chamberlain, Toyne (Staff 65), Deane, Steadman (Brooks 75), Watson, Ghislanzoni, Gibson (Schiavone 86)
Subs not Used:- Harvey
Attendance 110