Following last week’s defeat in what was a hard-fought game, Robbies 2s set their sites on an esteemed return to winning ways in what would prove to be a tough battle against oppo Chippenham. Injuries and unavailability plagued the 2s this week, seeing a 9-man changed squad from the opening week of the season. Hopes were high, with a roaring crowd on the side-line led by Coach Plim and the sun out on Badminton Beach.
A confident start from Robbies saw chance after chance just fall shy of finding the net, until Rowe regained his scent for goals midway through the second half. Some trickery in the D left Rowe faced with only the keeper, and a neatly placed upright reverse flick left the keeper watching the ball find the net over his right shoulder.
With further chances, but to no avail, Robbies went into the break 1-0 up with plenty of work still to do.
A similar spritely commencement in the second half meant Robbies were controlling possession well, however Chippenham had tightened up their defence making it difficult to score in open play.
Showing some of the old boys how it’s done, youngster Alker-Stone found a foul in the D, winning Robbies their first Short Corner of the game. Up stepped Tidy, the 2s number 1 mid-paced drag pusher! Living up to that title, Tidy nestled the ball 2 yards inside the post, while the keeper remained stationary, his feet stuck in the sand. Great game sense from the 2s striker to use the pitch to his advantage. 2-0 Robbies.
Chippenham then piled on the pressure and confusion in the Robbies defence led to a mistake from one of Clifton’s centre backs, which not even Coach Plim could accept responsibility for this week, gifting Chippenham a short corner. A flick from a Chippenham player was kindly redirected off the foot of Leigh beyond the reach of Sully to make it 2-1.
With time running out, Robbies used their game management skills to see out the game, with some great time-wasting tactics and a neatly won green card against the oppo by Sharp on his 2s debut for the 2021/22 season.
As Kirky took the ball to the corner, the final whistle went and Clifton Robinsons had earned their 3rd win of the season, placing them 5th in the league with 2nd – 6th place all on the same points.
A weekend off next week, but action resumes 30th October, when Robbies 2s play away to Swansea 2s looking to keep in contention for the top spot.
