Poole Borough Football Club

THE SEASON

Results, Reports

Latest News

Fixtures

Appearances

Scorers

Reserves

Add your comments on the match.

Scott Arnold
Returned to the side to slot in well behing the front two.

Borough Man of The Match : Scott Arnold

Gillingham Town lifted themselves to the top of the Elite Teamwear Dorset Premier League with a 1-0 victory against Borough at Turlin Moor in front of a bumper crowd in excess of 150. However, despite going down to a 63rd minute Matt Lawrence strike, Borough produced a solid performance closing their opponents down well throughout the game and when they did break through the Gills found home keeper Paul Maitland in fine form.

After an even first 10 minutes, Borough created the first clear chance as a long range shot from Matt Bircumshaw was only parried by the visiting keeper. Striker Danny Chappell was first to the loose ball, but could only lift his shot over the bar. Gillingham also went close minutes later with a header from a corner which went the wrong side of the post.

As the half progressed it was the Gills who created more of the attacking play but the Borough defensive line, with Gary Fooks playing as sweeper, defended resolutely. On 29 minutes Scott Arnold came close for Borough as he latched on to a near post corner, but his shot hit the side netting. Just before the interval Gillingham did break through the Borough back line, but Maitland dived low to hold a rasping shot.

HT 0-1

Gillingham opened the second half as they finished the first, forcing Borough to defend in depth and Maitland again did well to tip a long range shot over the bar. However,  just as Borough appeared to be making inroads into the visitors half, they were caught out by a swift counter attack and Lawrence ran through to lift the ball over the stranded Maitland.

Scott Smith came close to equalising after latching onto a defensive error but with the keeper beaten, his shot went agonisingly wide of the post. Gillingham should have increased their lead on 35 minutes as thet capatilised on a defensive mix up, but after taking the ball past Maitland the forward shot hit the side netting.

The Gills had the best of the remaining chances and Maitland did well to push a low shot past the post and minutes later saved with his feet and although Borough continued to push forward they were unable to make up the deficit.

Poole Borough : Maitland, Edwards, Shanley, Hebdon, Arnold, Herrington (James Morrell 88), Gunn, Bircumshaw, Scott Smith, Chappell (Flooks 68) , Gary Fooks. Unused sub : North

Manager's Quotes..........

Gills' boss Paul Down said: "`We did not play very well but controlled the game. We did not really get out of first gear. We had four missing from the team that played the previous week (against Hamworthy United). Striker Darren Lawrence was out suspended, Tom Rossiter did not make it back from university and a couple of other lads cried off. "We created quite a few chances and on another day we could have won two or three but we are pleased with the three points. Christian Chambers had a couple of good efforts and their keeper (Paul Maitland) made a couple of good saves. Their keeper, who played well, also made a good save from Nick Ward."

Hornets' manager Peter Morrell said "I think Gillingham are the best side in the league and we have played all the top sides now. They are the strongest side they play to their strengths and their work ethic is excellent. "We matched them for determination and spirit but territorially they ruled the game if I am honest. Once they scored they seemed to panic a bit and we got on top of them for a ten minute spell but they deserved to win and if we had got a draw it would have been robbery. We gave it a good shot and I am pleased with the lads. We have played worse this year and won but can have no complaints. They are a very, very good side and I would not be surprised if they go on and win it"