Meanwood Stumble Against Redfearn

Meanwood…Gafa wasn't wearing his lucky red t-shirt, Bissitt and Mckieth were wearing Hartlepool shirts, Mckieth wasn't happy with his unlucky boxer shorts, Dean and Bell missed the bus and arrived late for the warm up…disaster beckoned. Would it be Meanwood's day or Meanwood's misery? Meanwood's absentees were Ayden who was still out with his sprained wrist and Woody who was taking a well deserved break. First choice backup player Jonesy was also unavailable so Meanwood were without a substitute. However Paul Mallian was available in net, he was joined by Richard Bissitt, Anthony Mckieth, Gafa and Dean Bell who was back after an unfortunate absence. Meanwood went into this match knowing that they still had scored the most goals in the league. However, they also knew that Paul Redfearn had conceded the least. The victor of this interesting encounter would be revealed within the next 40 minutes or so. The match started with Paul Redfearn questioning the referee to whether Meanwood were their actual opponents or not, apparently they appeared "too young". Meanwood started brightly and had a few chances early on. Dean Bell was creating havoc amid the Paul Redfearn defence and managed to find an early break through when he pelted a shot into the back of the net. Meanwood continued to attack but failed to find a way through a stubborn Redfearn defence. Dean almost added to Meanwood's lead with a series of efforts but they were unfortunately just wide or just over. Redfearn's keeper was also proving to be stubborn and kept his team in the match. Then disaster struck as Paul Redfearn managed to score with their first real shot to equalise. Meanwood continued to curse their luck when Bissitt, Mckieth and Bell all were unlucky not to score. Gafa had his first good effort on goal but it was unfortunately blocked. Gafa was struggling in this match and his danger was kept to a minimum by a well organised Redfearn team. Meanwood pushed on and tried to get back in front before half time and came close on several occasions. However, it was Paul Redfearn who added to their total against the run of play. Paul Redfearn went in at half time 2-1 up and Meanwood were cursing their bad luck. Just before the second half, Gafa removed his "unlucky" replacement red shirt in a hope to change Meanwood's fortunes around. Meanwood were becoming superstitious as nothing was going their way. Meanwood started the second half in an offensive frame of mind as Dean tried to find a way through. However, Meanwood were becoming increasingly unlucky and even more frustrated. The disaster happened when Paul Redfearn struck again…once again against the run of play to ruin Meanwood's opening session of possession. Redfearn then decided to make a ridiculous number of substitutions in order to slow down the game and frustrate Meanwood even more. Bissitt then almost got sent off when he shoulder barged a player. Gafa finally got his act together and started to test the Redfearn defence but it was too little too late. Meanwood tried desperately to find an extra two or three goals but could not break down a stubborn Redfearn defence and were left gutted after losing 3-1. Man Of The Match- Dean Bell Dean Bell has just pipped Bissitt for our man of the match award for this week. Although Bissitt had a good game, Dean edges it as he showed a high level of determination and work rate. Dean never stopped trying to find a break through and although he only scored once he was unlucky not to have scored on several more occasions. He returned reminding us of the great ability he possesses. Let's hope Dean is available for Meanwood's next match so that Meanwood have a reliable goal scorer up front. Conclusion A disappointing result for Meanwood, it is the first time in a while that Meanwood have lost two matches in a row. Meanwood were extremely unfortunate today and just couldn't find a way to stick the ball into the back of the net. They had a lot of possession but they failed to use it to their advantage and score a few more goals. It's probably ended Meanwood's promotion dream…but anything is still possible. Meanwood now need to get back on track against Hampster.