Report | City battle out win under the Friday Night Lights

In a game of few chances, it was City who shone the brightest as we battled out a 1-0 victory with ten men in our Friday night fixture.

The early action saw City having plenty of possession without carving out any chances.

As King Baidoo looked to break away having picked up a pass from Marcus Day, he was pulled back for a free-kick that came to nothing.

The next action of a pretty cagey opening saw Alex Monks spoken to by the referee for a heavy challenge on Dan Leadbitter that left him hobbling and subsequently forced out of the action in the ninth minute with Dylan Jones taking his place.

As Joe Hanks looked to make something happen, he forced a corner which caused concern before being cleared for another flag-kick that again was dealt with.

Whilst the rain that had lashed down in the build-up to kick-off had stopped, the wind was still making life tough and Aaron Sainsbury in the visitors’ goal came under pressure from another corner that swirled into the danger zone.

A break from the visitors saw Lucas Tomlinson feed James Taylor who did well before over-hitting his cross from the by-line. Their next attack saw Marlon Jackson lead the charge as Harry Emmett bravely cleared under pressure.

Another City corner saw Kane Simpson make his presence felt as the ball landed on the roof of the net.

This Friday Night Lights encounter was lacking a spark until Baidoo latched onto a through ball before rounding the ‘keeper and slotting home against his former club right on the stroke of half-time to give us an interval lead.

With chances at a premium at either end, we were hoping that things would light up for the second half.

There was an explosive start to the second half from Baidoo as he showing good pace before feeding Hanks whose pull-back flashed across the face of goal with no-one on hand to profit.

An inviting ball in from Day, after good work from Sion Spence in the build-up, saw James Taylor almost turn into his own net as Baidoo lurked with intent behind him.

Soon afterwards, Harry Pinchard almost played through Simpson but Sainsbury was alert to gather. Then Simpson had another chance as he took a good touch to bring down a long ball before seeing his strike blocked by the ‘keeper.

We were reduced to ten men just past the hour-mark when Baidoo picked up his second yellow card for a challenge from behind.

A free-kick out wide from a promising position was delivered dangerously but Sainsbury was able to gather, whilst at the other end, the visitors dragged an effort well wide as a shooting chance opened up for them.

A slip from former City man, Dan Ball, almost let Simpson in but the covering defender was able to delay his strike, which was deflected for a corner.

As we entered the final five minutes, Aaron Wildig came on to replace Hanks as City’s ten men looked to see it out.

The visitors went close in stoppage time as we held our breath, whilst Simpson brought a save from the ‘keeper as we launched a counter-attack at the other end.

In the end, we were able to hold on and claim a hard-earned but deserved three points under the Friday Night Lights.

CITY | J. Thompson, Leadbitter (Jones 9), O’Regan, Spence (Roberts 89), Hanks (Wildig 85), Richards-Everton, Day, Pinchard, Emmett, Baidoo, Simpson. Subs not used: C. Thompson, Morgan.

Booking(s): Baidoo (31, 62)

Red Card: Baidoo (62)

Goal(s): Baidoo (45)

Attendance: 1,907