Portimonense SC 3-3 Rushden and DiamondsAlthough it was only a friendly, Garry Hill must be feeling aggrieved that his side let a lead slip 3 times in the searing heat of the Algarve coast. The Portuguese second tier side provided a stern test for the Blue Square Premier 4th favourites, although
Marco Estrada Jersey it must be taken into account that the opposition are used to the humidity that the match was played in. Manager Garry Hill started with a similar side to the one that steam-rollered Halstead Town just 5 days earlier, with Alan Marriott continuing his goalkeeping duties. Triallist Justyn Roberts lined up with player-coach Chris Hope in central defence, with Scott Mitchell and Gareth Jelleyman providing cover on both flanks. Lee Tomlin continued his role as the right-sided midfielder, with Marcus Kelly attacking down the left channel. Last seasons ever-present Jon Challinor partnered Michael Corcoran in central midfield, with Michael Rankine partnering debutant Daryl Clare up front. Rushden started the brighter of the two sides, as Lee Tomlin caused trouble down the right before laying the ball of to Daryl Clare. A deft touch beat his marker, before his clever chip narrowly went over. However, Rushden soon took the lead on twelve minutes, as Clare was fouled for the 3rd time in a short period of time. Clare sent in a curling ball, and Chris Hope managed to knock the ball acro s the goalmouth for Michael Rankineto run onto and nod home
Kevin Pillar Jersey . However, the lead lasted only 10 minutes, as a Hollywood cro s caught out Scott Mitchell, leaving the home striker in acres of space for a simple tap-in. Michael Rankine was then unlucky to see an acrobatic overhead attempt fly a few yards wide. Shortly afterwards, trialist Gareth Jelleyman was forced to leave the field of play with a cut to the eye that required a trip to the local hospital and four stitches. Phil Gulliver replaced the injured left-back, and swapped positions with Justyn Roberts. Lee Tomlin started to show his competitive edge by squaring up to his opponent after a fierce tackle that followed lots of pushing at every opportunity. Michael Rankine continued to hold the ball up well, but couldnt bring any clear-cut chances.Half time: Portimonense SC 1-1 Rushden and DiamondsChris Hope practised his coaching ability during the half-time interval in the a sistance of Garry Hill, trying to drive the team forward. Meanwhile, Curtis Woodhouse, Jamie McGuinne s and Lee Phillips replaced Jon Challinor, Marcus Kelly, and Michael Rankine. This gave the
Josh Donaldson Jersey dozen or so Diamonds fans the chance to watch the eagerly anticipated pairing of Phillips and Clare in action.This change brought immediate rewards with a goal just 3 minutes into their partnership. Lee Phillips showed his level of tenacity to win po se sion, before skipping around 2 bewildered defenders. His cro s from the byline eluded the goalkeeper, and was then met with a flying sci sor-kick from Daryl Clare into the opposite corner that even sent the local home fans into a rapturous applause. This signalled immediate changes as Sagi Burton replaced Hope, as well as Dean McDonald replacing Daryl Clare. These changes led to an unsettled defence, allowing Portimonense to produce a square pa s acro s Sagi Burton, leaving the home striker with the goal at his mercy, and he duly slotted home. Jake Beecroft then replaced Scott Mitchell. Most fans in the ground expected the game to fizzle out as a 2-2 draw, but Lee Tomlin didnt think so as two strikes in as many minutes were blazed over. Tomlin showed his compettive streak once more, upsetting his markers in
Aaron Sanchez Jersey the proce s, forcing Garry Hill to replace him with Sam Smith. However, Diamonds took the lead for a third time as Dean McDonald ran at the defence, before finding Curtis Woodhouse in space. Woodhouse took one touch before crashing the ball in off the post from 25 yards for a brilliant goal. Phil Gulliver then headed danger away from the goalmouth, but
Roberto Osuna Jersey the home side were unable to convert what looked like a decent chance. But, once more, Portimonense equalised with what was this time an undisputable defensive error. A carele s ball down the middle was left by Burton for Alan Marriott, but the pair couldnt communicate properly allowing a home striker to nip in and put the ball into an empty net from the edge of the area. This sort of error was inevitable considering the two had only known each other for 2 days. The Diamonds had one final chance as Curtis Woodhouse slid the ball to Lee Phillips, but the hard working striker was caught fractionally offside. Full Time: Portimonense SC 3-3 Rushden and Diamonds Attendance: Unknown (Around 12 away)Man of the Match: Daryl Clare
