(4-4-2)

Andrews, G Dawson, Moore (Cowdery 70), Griffin, P Dawson, Jody, Johnson, Gall, Murray, Del Favero (Simon 55), Withey

Struggling for players again, CPR gave debuts to Jody and Simon, two possible recruits from Islington, although this still could not cover the fact that the entire back four were playing with injuries.

Within the first minute CPR could have snatched the lead, when Jon Murray was sent clear by Matt’s flick-on down the centre. Unfortunately Jon pulled his shot wide. A let-off for Somerville, but CPR had one of their own a few minutes later when sloppy midfield play gifted a chance to Somerville and Garry was forced into conceding a penalty. Fortunately John pulled off a cracking save, diving to his right to keep the scores level.

Somerville were playing strongly, looking to feed their big striker and get flick-ons to their quick wingers. However, CPR put in a solid performance and managed to keep them out quite comfortably. Although the home side were marginally on top they struggled to create a clear-cur opportuniy in the first half, and it was 0-0 at the break.

The second half followed much the same patter as the first, although CPR were starting to struggle to get possession and Somerville were pressing closer and closer to the CPR goal. It was no great surprise, then, when Somerville eventually took the lead, although it was hard on CPR to concede a rather lucky goal after they’d defended stoutly for so long. Defending a corner, the ball was cleared to a Somerville midfielder 25 yards out, whose mishit shot was curling into the 6-yard box towards the left-winger before Gervaise slid in trying to intercept and unfortunately put the ball past John.

From this moment the confidence seemed to be drained from CPR, and Somerville started to win every loose ball. Another CPR lapse in midfield sent Somerville away down their left wing, and when the cross came into the box their big striker was allowed to turn and slide the ball into the bottom corner for the second.

The big centre got his second 10 minutes later, rising to meet a well-placed corner and powering the ball past John.

Final score: Somerville 3, CPR 0

Match Reporter: Garry Griffin