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And I nearly forgot to say, thank god we finally managed to keep a clean sheet

And on the Goalie handling outside the area prior to ELG's goal, my first thoughts were that it had to be a red card as it was bit more than him just accidentally carrying the ball an inch outside of the area, though I had a look at the rules and its not clear whether it this particular incident was actually a red or not.

When a goalie handles it outside the area, he's treated just like an outfield player would be for the same offence and fifa's rules state:

Disciplinary sanctions
There are circumstances when a caution for unsporting behaviour is required
when a player deliberately handles the ball, e.g. when a player:
• deliberately handles the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession
• attempts to score a goal by deliberately handling the ball

A player is sent off, however, if he prevents a goal or an obvious goalscoring
opportunity by deliberately handling the ball. This punishment arises not from
the act of the player deliberately handling the ball but from the unacceptable
and unfair intervention that prevented a goal being scored.

http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/worldfo ... w12-en.pdf

So while it was clearly deliberate and more than the ball just accidentally touching his hand or him carrying it slightly outside of the area, it still needs to prevent an obvious goalscoring opportunity for a red card to be warranted and I'm not sure whether it was an obvious opportunity he was preventing, would have to watch it again to make a judgement.

Never really got out of 1st gear except for the odd moment. Our first goal was very well worked and a great finish by turner, he is going to score a hatful for us. Thought we let oadby into it at times as we seemed to give them too much space and time, although I thought their number 6 was the best player on the pitch. Wouldn't mind him in our squad. As for the team I would go with dunks all the time, not many better target men at this level or the one above, nothing against tom as he has been great. Also brown back in at left back with Ashton moving across with dolman. Finally the right wing which is probably the area of most debate. It's 50/50 for me between gearing amd ELJ, Elliott gives us pace and when he is on it he is almost unstoppable or gearing who is more steady but plays inside too much and does not beat his man. He does use the ball and space well though. Maybe try one in the place of fazel.

fentiger79 wrote: although I thought their number 6 was the best player on the pitch

Ollie Brown-Hill is one of the few players that has remained with Oadby from their squad two seasons ago, after initially leaving to join Barwell. An excellent player in much the same mould as Confue and would be an excellent addition to our squad but would he get frustrated if he was not to get a regular starting place?

I also thought Oadby's number 7, Rob Morgan, was also impressive. One of the Oadby's followers who brought two players to the game, told me before the match, that he understood we had put in a '7 day approach' for this player.

Regarding the ELJ v Gearing and Dunks v Lorraine debate; I thought ELJ had a good first half on Saturday, although clearly faded in the second. His delivery first half was really good again (as it had been against Sileby), but again went awry second half. I would like to have seen Gearing given a longer run out, but I can understand him warming the bench at the moment, as his form this season has been really below par. I expect Peaksy to start with ELJ again tomorrow.
As for Lorraine, I'm a big fan of his, but there is no doubt that Dunks, when on form, provides something that no one else at the club can. Lorraine played OK on Saturday but wasn't at his best, but Dunks still doesn't quite look match fit, even when coming off the bench against tiring legs. That said, he did take his goal superbly. I think I would just give him the nod over Lorraine tomorrow, in the hope that a good 90 minutes under his belt will give him a boost. I also suspect Desborough will be rather physical (although I haven't seen them play and know very little about them this season, so could be completely wrong), in which case Dunks is likely to fare better than Tom.

highlights
http://youtu.be/m4m1kTeXE9g

SouthRushdenJFC wrote: Should the goalie have gone for handball?

Having now seen the highlights it`s an even bigger YES, momentum taking him out the area is one thing but he was a yard out, caught it then dived back in, which to me is an admission of guilt as to being fully aware as to his position. If he doesn`t catch it it`s over his head and a clear scoring chance so has to be red.
Keep that one in the bank for future, may now have an opponent sent of in a big game (if anything is bigger then Oadby :roll:) when it`s not deserved with a bit of luck. Tommy Tuck-shop would be a nice one if he gets a start on 25th.

Mal's pics added to Paul's match report - http://www.afcdiamonds.com/afc-rushden- ... dby-town-0

The player and match stats are also updated - http://www.afcdiamonds.com/201415-playe ... atch-stats as well as the player profiles.