Report

The Army 0 – 2 Bacton

The Army always know what's in store when Bacton come to town. Our local rivals are always physical, motivated and well organised and Rogers knew that it would take a big performance from his players to get a result today. The task was made harder with Nunn, Warren, Gunton, Harvey and Rob Moye all unavailable and just to compound Rogers' selection headache Dan Frappell did not turn up for the game for the second time this season.

Despite the number of absentees Rogers was still able to field a decent side with Jordan Stannard coming in at right back and Adam Grocott getting his first start since his knee injury at left back. Winfield and Relph were the striking figureheads with support on the flanks from Lewis and Jake Stannard.

The Army started the game well and looked very dangerous going forward. The trio of Stannards were in the game and Winfield and Relph were giving the Bacton defence plenty to think about. The first good chance of the game fell to the Army, after good work from Relph, Winfield carried the ball into the area but the striker's shot was wayward and didn't trouble the keeper. At the other end the Big Bacton number 9 Will Hitter, started to make his present felt and nearly opened the scoring when he went through but his shot hit the inside of the post and rebounded into Watling's arms, and Paul Evans saw a header come off the bar.

Lewis Stannard hit a good shot from the edge of the area but the Bacton keeper saved well before the sides went in at half time. The Army were pleased with a battling first half display but set about improving their performance in possession of the ball in the second half.

However, Bacton's route one football became harder and harder to deal with as Hitter became a real threat. The Army midfield struggled to dominate the centre of the park and Bacton dominated possession. That said the Army defence dealt with the danger well until a mad five minutes saw a series of mistakes lead to Bacton getting their opener. There was a neat flick on the edge of the box before Hitter went through unmarked to score.

The Army knuckled down and once they were over their mad five minutes settled down and played some good stuff with Rose at the heart of most things good in the Army midfield. However the organised Bacton defence made it hard for Winfield and Relph and chances were few and far between. Rogers took himself off as he struggled to make an impact in the second half and Miller came into the centre of midfield.

As the game entered its final stages Leighton Ankin replaced Adam Grocott before Bacton got their second from a corner.

This was another tough day at the office for Rogers and his men. Once again the Army had come off second best in a tight game. But there were good reasons for this. Bacton have fielded the same back four for seven consecutive games and they have won five of those games. Rogers however has not fielded the same back four all season. When you consider those statistics it should come as no surprise that the Army are conceding too many goals. Rogers continues to dream about the day he has regular availability and a settled side.

Man of the match today goes to Micky Rose who kept the ball well in difficult circumstances.