Match Report: A Tale of Two McCarthys

Uxbridge 0-2 Sholing

Uxbridge suffered their third consecutive home league defeat of the season, following this latest setback to a very good Sholing side.

The Reds welcomed back Captain CJ Fearn, who slotted into the heart of the defence. They are still without a number of key players and the injury list got even longer when midfielder Harry Rush limped off with a groin strain midway through the opening forty-five minutes. Rhys Forster in the Uxbridge goal was the busier of the two keepers and was at full stretch to deny the Boatmen an early lead, tipping over a well-hit shot from the edge of the box. The tricky Sholing frontline caused the Reds defence problems, picking the ball up in space and bearing down on goal on numerous occasions. The best chances for Uxbridge came on the break. Frank Keita and Kia Hobbs going close with efforts that were just wide of the mark. With the clock ticking towards the final minute of the half Keita found himself through on goal with only Dec McCarthy to beat. However, the Boatmen’s custodian stood firm, and an outstretched arm denied the free-scoring midfielder.

Half-time: 0-0

The second half began with the away side on top, and they went close to opening the scoring in the fifty-second minute. Winning the ball in midfield and breaking quickly. Thankfully for The Reds the final shot was just too high. The deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion on the hour mark. Jake McCarthy finding the corner of the net with a twenty-five-yard freekick, giving Forster no chance. The same player doubled Sholing’s lead five minutes later. Arriving free in the box to power a header into the net from eight yards. A few minutes later, Uxbridge Man-Of-The-Match Forster made a superb double save to keep Uxbridge within touching distance of the visitors. Uxbridge continued to push forward but found the well organised Sholing defence in no mood to surrender their two-goal advantage. The Boatmen always looked dangerous, and it has to be said, were well worth their victory on the night.

These three defeats have obviously dented the Reds confidence, and they will be hoping a trip to the seaside on Saturday will be just the tonic they need to return to winning ways. Weymouth is the destination for a first ever league encounter at the Bob Lucas Stadium. Their only other visit came in 1997 in the FA Trophy. Goals from Mark Gill and Nicky Ryder giving them a 2-1 victory on that occasion.

Full Time 0-2

Attendance: 222

Uxbridge Man Of The Match: Rhys Forster. Sponsored By EA Designs.

Uxbridge line-up: Forster, Hobbs, Tanner, Fearn ©, Stepney, Nnadozie, Hector, Rush, Nwachuku, Okorogheye, Keita. Subs Used: Bailey for Fearn, Brown for Hobbs, Prior-Tack for Rush, Giamattei, for Nnadozie, Brandao for Nwachuku.

Match report courtesy of Michael Bodman