Punchbowl 2 James Street 1

IT was billed as the Battle of the Basement -- well to the two teams at least.

For whoever lost this low-down decider would finish bottom of Division Three.

With just two wins between them all season the stakes were high -- and James Street fancied their chances having beaten Punchbowl in their first encounter.

It was fast and furious from the start and both keepers were called into early action. Punchbowl's Lee Jones denied Dave Reed with a flying save before James Street stopper Mark Barrass dived bravely at the feet of Dave Pickering.

The keeper pulled off an even better save moments later to deny Danny Brunt.

But it was Punchbowl who got the early goal that both sides craved, courtesy of a defensive mix-up.

Pickering chased a long hopeful ball but Barrass and Dwain Cox got in each others way and the midfielder slammed the ball into an empty net. The goal settled Punchbowl nerves and they looked the more likely to score as Graham Hunter began to run things in midfield.

Barrass pulled off another great save to deny Brunt again while a timely tackle by Ian Broadhurst stopped Hunter a clear run on goal.

James Street finally settled into some sort of pattern and produced the best spell just before the break.

Confidence grew with a sweeping move down the right involving Phillip Kubilius, Mick Cox, Reed and Luis Moragues -- the latter then forcing a smart save out of Jones.

James Street carried their momentum into the second half and Damion Chamberlain launched a long through ball that Duncan McCormack caught sweetly on the volley that brought out a flying save from Jones.

The ball was then cleared off the line from the resulting corner.

But Punch dealt their sucker punch when they doubled their lead against the run of play.

Hunter played a lovely deep cross that Brunt nodded home with a powerful downward header.

But to James Street credit their response was swift. Reed curled a free kick just over the bar before an uncharacteristic blunder from Jones gave McCormack the chance to score.

They now sniffed an equaliser but Punchbowl held firm as first Mick then Dwain Cox forced Jones into a string of fine saves. McCormack went close to a second goal but his effort was well saved. Reed was then denied by the woodwork when his well struck free kick crashed against the foot of the post.

The chance went and James Street have to resign themselves to the fact that they are the Weakest Link!

Ratings:

James Street

Mark Barrass (keeper) Made some excellent saves but blunder was costly...8

Dwain Cox (right back) Did well and went close a couple of times. Always had something to say...6

Damion Chamberlain (centre back) Cool and collected on the ball. Liked to get forward...7

Ian Broadhurst (left back) Strong in the tackle and managed to keep his head this time!...6

Dave McClean (right midfield) Worked hard down the right before going off after the break...6

Anthony Cox (left midfield) Not much of a threat going forward but always willing to get stuck in...6

Mick Cox (centre midfield) Good performance from the veteran. Kept his team going when their heads dropped...7

HDave Reed (centre midfield) Fine display and came within inches of grabbing an equaliser...8

Phillip Kubilius (centre midfield) Big man with a good touch. Didn't lose a tackle...7

Luis Moragues (striker) Pace was a real threat...6

Duncan McCormack (striker) Went close a few times and deserved his goal...7

Subs:

Paul Rawson (midfield) Did a decent job when he came on...6

Punchbowl

Lee Jones (keeper) Excellent game but blotted his copy book with rare error...8

Andy Robinson (right back) Stuck to task well but not put under pressure...6

Darren Bould (left back) Couple of errors but solid enough...6

Andy Nightingale (centre back) Made some timely interceptions to keep the James Street attackers at bay...7

Lee Walsh (centre back) Good consistent game...6

Colin Young (right midfield) Worked hard but did not see that much of the ball...6

Adam Turner (left midfield) Showed some good early touches and had a few run-ins with James Street defence...6

HGraham Hunter (centre midfield) Good balance and awareness and in the thick of the action. Set up second goal...9

Dave Pickering (centre midfield) Worked hard alongside Hunter and scored first goal...8

Danny Brunt (striker) A constant threat throughout the match and scored great header...8

Danny Cooper (striker) Quieter game than his strike partner and went off at the break...6

Subs

Danny Crossley (striker) Pacey youngster gave the James Street defence a few problems...6

Dave Porter (midfield) Not afraid to get stuck in...6