August Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

Full interview with Frank Burrows after the game (1.9mb)

A 1 - 1 draw at home to a premiership team. Reason to celebrate? No, not when you felt you should have won the match. At half time the team went off to a standing ovation (even at full time they did but that was because we had not lost). The first half was a joy to watch, the ball was played on the floor, Jason Fowler was breathtaking, his skills will have many scouts checking his availability. Andy Legg burst through on 23 mins, Sullivan brought him down and got away with a yellow card, SuperKev slotted home the penalty 1 - 0. Before that Nugent had a fantastic header at goal, the save from Sullivan was even better. Winston rifled a shot just over the bar with his "LEFT" foot. All was going well. Wimbledon were restricted to the counter attack, Carl Cort could have been awesome, if he had decided to make an effort rather than look half good he could have blown us away. Hartson was the lone striker and while he got his head to some balls he was well checked by Eckhardt who took a bruising for his trouble. Nugent again was battered but his flicks and the amount of ball he won made is a great game for him.

Half time City were the better team and deserving of their lead.

The second half the game started to swing, City were tiring, while Wimbledon did not look Premiership class they looked a better, fitter team. They started to push more men forward but Jeff, Scott and Fordy held on, Legg was excellent again, Winston did well (not well enough to deserve the man of the match he was given, Fowler was the only candidate for that). Hallworth made several easy saves, he was not actually tested once. Boland was playing well, in my opinion Carpenter was poor, he often failed to control the ball. Nugent and Bowen both played well, City found it hard though to create space for Bowen to run in.

As the half wore on Wimbledon found more time on the ball to plan their attacks, it was with the run of the play when they did equalise but it was poor defending that caused it. Two City players failed to communicate and clear a harmless ball, the cross came over from the right and Michael Hughes put the ball past Hallworth from 8 yards. City created a few second half chances but it was a relief to hear the final whistle.

This match is not over. We went to Q.P.R. is a worse position than we are now. No getting away from the fact though that we have to score at Selhurst Park next week. A result similar to the match at Selhurst Park tonight where Palace drew 3 - 3 with Leicester will do us fine.

A big pat on the back to the lads, they performed at the top of their game in the first half and were the better team. The second half they were tired and a Premiership team snatched a draw. Theres nothing wrong with that. I was proud tonight but it was a case of what night have been.

Lets hope they keep up this form on Saturday when 3 points off Notts C would be a welcome relief to all City fans.