CITY BATTLE OUT WIN

CITY battled out three points with a hard-earned 1-0 victory at neighbours, Lye Town.
It was an assured start from City as our hosts looked to unsettle us from the off. Despite us looking the most likely side, chances were at a premium in the opening exchanges.
Mark Danks had the first sight at goal but his effort was well kept out by the home ‘keeper.
There were a few niggles creeping into the game, including a booking for Mark Smith, as the opening period ended goalless.
The second half was 11 minutes old when the break-through finally came as Danks did well to unlock the home defence to play in Dave Reynolds who stayed calm to tuck the ball home, much to the delight of the large travelling faithful.
We were very much on the front-foot in the wake of the goal and looking to add to our lead.
As the half went on, Lye started to get a foot-hold back in the game and there was a huge sigh of relief when they thought that they had levelled matters only for the referee to spot a foul in the build-up.
The closing stages required City to be resilient to hold on to our lead. A corner for the hosts caused problems but was scrambled clear in front of goal.
We almost profited on the counter-attack when Nathan Hayward broke away out wide and his inviting cross just evaded Danks in the middle.
We were presented with another chance late on following some sloppy defensive play but the home ‘keeper was alert to the danger to make the save.
The game became something of a stop-start affair late on as the home side committed numerous fouls as we looked to play out the game and there were several yellow cards shown, including one to skipper, Tyler Weir, for time-wasting.
In the end it was a case of job done as we secured the victory and a welcome return to winninjg ways.

CITY: Palmer, Weir, Griffiths, Albert, M Smith, Hayward, Birley (Evans 67), Forsyth, Danks, Reynolds (Sarmento 84), J Smith (Chiwara 76). Subs not used: Baldwin, Gwynne.

ATTENDANCE: 301.