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Dramatic final
few minutes at Chadfieds, as Bowers grab a share of
the spoils with a last gasp leveller, tough on an under
strength Manor.They play their part as an extraordinary
grandstand finish restores the pride lost on Tuesday
night.
"Mixed emotions" was Kirk Whitelocks reaction
" terrific fightback last ten minutes, then we
switch of and wer'e punished, story of our season, so
near yet so far".
Whatever the scoreline, Whitelock had
every reason to be pleased with his side. Down to the
bare bones they turned round a 2 -1 defecit and must
have thought the game was their's as Johnny Quinn's
88th minute strike put them ahead for the first time.
The start of the game gives little indication of the
fireworks to come.
Manor make a fairly tentative beginning.
The misery of Tuesday night clearly not out of their
system. They do however, create the game's first opening.
"Van" Hammond's effort whistiling wide of
the visitors post.
7 minutes and former Manor workhorse,
Paul Docherty, returms to haunt his old team mates.
Big suspiscion of offside, but a cool finish despite
the protests.
13 minutes - Johnny Quinn dwells on
ball. Bowers forward appears to fire well over - Manor
technical staff again up in arms as Ref points to corner.
20 minutes - First period of sustained
pressure from the Manor, two successive corners. Barrett
flicks on but Reading unable to scramble loose ball
home.
22 minutes - Joe Dixon giving Manor width on his debut,
powerful cross/cum shot. Nearly converted by an alert
jamie Wallace.
25 minutes - Lee Smith booked for wild lunge, few complaints
from the manor bench.
27 minutes- Manor staff upset by lack
of consistency from officials! Bowers centre half takes
out Quinn two footed, but no action taken.
Half hour mark - Good work by Quinny
on the right touchline. Powerful header by Lee Smith
inches over from resulting corner.
40 minutes - "Van"
Hammond pole-axed in penalty area, suffers head injury,
but again , Ref sees nothing wrong.
45 minutes - right on half time and
Manor deservedly level. Manor bench screams to put more
pressure on dimunitive Bowers keeper. Reading obliges
and reaps the dividends.
52 minutes - Manor starts the second
half as they left off. Charlie Tarten heavily involved
as the home side force yet another corner.
57 minutes Jamie Wallace, quiet
by his standards, explodes into life, rattling foot
of Bowers post from 20 yards.
Hour gone - Adams influential, causing
Bowers problems with powerful physique, creates two
opportunuties, but let down by weak finishing.
74 minutes - first of three changes
for the Manor. Graham Chester on for a subdued Chris
Hammond.
77 minute - Terrific mazy run by Darren
Adams, Bower's keeper alert to the danger and blocks
80 minutes - Disaster for Manor
and it's that man Docherty again. Hesitation all round.
Carl Prince in no mans land. It's just what the doc
ordered, as he gives Manor a taste of their own medicine.
2-1 to the visitors.
83 minutes - "Fortune favours
the braves". Kirk Whitelock throws on Neil Day
and Dave Jenkins in a double swap for Dixon and Clarey.
A few eyebrows raisied, but proves a masterstroke within
5 minutes. The Manor 3 -2 up.
85 minutes - Manor equaliser. Lee Smith
with a carbon copy of the first goal, Quinn the provider.
88 minutes - Quinn again this time
turns goal scorer. Follows managers instructions to
the letter,powerful strike in via the crossbar, home
faithful delighted
90 minutes - Manor joy cut short, Bowers
free kick cleared. Not enough pressure on ball as Taylor
Lang strikes 25 yards into the roof of net. Carl Prince
unsighted, but gets one hand on ball, but can't prevent
it entering the net. Pulsating basement battle ends
all square.
Manager Kirk Whitelock, not despondent
when dust has settled "We showed character with
a weakened squad, both the new boys done good. Darren
Adams will be a real handful when fit. Credit to Doc,
I knew he'd come back to haunt me, but fair play to
him, he took both goals well. All in all a point won
today and definately a big improvement.
Manor
Man of the Match
Joe Dixon - Composed performance from
debutant, slotted in well
Joe
Dixon
Manor
Team:
Prince, Clary, Barrett, Reading,
Quinn, Tarten, Smith, Wallace, Dixon, Adams, Hammond.
Subs:- Day, Chester, Jenkins
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