Molescroft Rangers kept in touch with the top two with an excellent performance away to Skidby played on a sloping pitch in high winds not conducive to attractive football.
Moley almost had the luxury of naming an unchanged side but with keeper Bryce still away in Afghanistan physical man mountain and driving instructor Matthew Spencer was brought in goal with Manager Healey moving utility player and part time porn star Dixon onto the bench mindful of the tough games ahead to come.
Captain Nicholson won the toss and elected to play up the hill and into the wind in the first half, many would have questioned his decision but it soon became apparent that the with Moley fired up for the game and Skidby clearly not it was the correct decision. Indeed such was Moley’s dominance that it would have been difficult for the bystander to decide who had the pitch and conditions advantage and it was Moley who took the lead midway through the half when a through ball by Bolger was finished powerfully by Darren Spruce for his 21st of the season, continuing his run of a goal in every game this season.
Moley continued to close every ball down and chase their opponents down and the half time whistle was met with relief from a Skidby side who had not been shaken up so much on their own turf by an opposition all season. The second half saw Molescroft completely dominate from start to finish with Skidby rarely getting out of their own half allowing the defence of Milner, Phillips, Windeler and Richards one of their easiest 45 minutes all season.
Fifteen minutes in Pardoe, who had had a good game on the left, made way for Richard Dixon who after two games in goal helping out was unlucky to start on the bench but by his own admission was keen to “take one for the team” and he continued where Pardoe had left off with powerful runs down the left creating problems for the weary Skidby defence.
With twenty minutes to go it looked as if one goal would have to be enough but a surging run by Sam Dixon down the right was halted illegally by the Skidby centre back and captain Nicholson coolly stepped up to slot home his ninth of the season. Cue the changes with Healey bringing on “Ice Man” Tony Walker for Bolger who had caused problems up front all game and Andy Massey coming on for Joe Coates who in the heart of midfield had easily secured the man of the match award with a lung busting display challenging for every ball and wearing Skidby down with his constant presence in the right place at the right time.
More chances fell to Moley and a four or five goal cushion would not have been flattering but in the end they had to settle for two goals and the satisfaction of a highly professional performance. Stand out performers were as ever Phillips at the heart of the best defence in the league along with left back Milner and Centre midfielder Coates. Final score, Skidby Millers 0 Molescroft Rangers 2
Next week sees Molescroft entertain top of the table Wawne Ferry Reserves looking to exact revenge for two close defeats last season with a growing confidence built on a run of six straight league wins and a miserly defence and an ever present goal threat from a gypsy inspired attack.
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