Johnson's heroics unable to save Hornets from loss
Ridgeons League Premier Division, Leiston 1 Debenham LC 0: ONCE again Victory Road turned into an inopportunely named venue for the Hornets on Wednesday.
Ridgeons League Premier Division, Leiston 1 Debenham LC 0: ONCE again Victory Road turned into an inopportunely named venue for the Hornets on Wednesday.
A solitary goal separated third-placed Leiston from a Debenham side still in tenth place, despite making in inauspicious start to 2010.
That the margin of defeat was narrow came down to a brilliant goalkeeping display by Louis Johnson, who stopped everything bar Neil Gooderham's unfortunate own goal and the heavy rain.
On an atrocious evening the two sides produced an open game.
Danny Cunningham was prominent in the early stages curling a shot just wide and seeing another hooked clear by Gooderham.
The Hornets centre-back instigated Debenham's first attempt on goal. Gooderham's free-kick was returned into the area by Ian Gedny and, with the ball only being partially cleared, Danny Allen sent in a left foot shot which dipped just over the bar.
Leiston were making light of the conditions and Neil Calver and Cunningham combined for Chris Hart to cut inside and force Johnson's first save of what was to be a busy evening.
Hart went close again hooking narrowly wide, Cunningham's effort was blocked by Shaun French and David Head hit the post with a header as the pressure built on the Debenham goal.
Hart also hit the woodwork and the goal that appeared imminent arrived from an unfortunate source.
Johnson made a brave save, only for Cunningham's cross to be diverted into his own net by Gooderham.
A breakaway brought Debenham's only attempt on target in the opening half, Mark Powling finding Warren Taylor-Holt, who released Rob Kemp to cross and Ian Gedny's header did not trouble Leiston keeper Jamie Stannard.
That Debenham turned around just a goal down was in part due to Head and Hart heading straight at goalkeeper Louis Johnson.
The second period began with Johnson alert to the danger of Williams, as he raced from his line to kick clear.
The rearguard action continued with substitute Dave Cannon blocking Williams' effort at the far post.
A surging run down the right saw Leon Ottley-Gooch deliver a pinpoint cross on to the head of Hart and his downward header produced a great save from Johnson.
The Hornets keeper flung himself to his left to bring off another brilliant stop to deny Calver's well-struck drive.
The Hornets were still in the match and the closing moments had Jamie Stannard diving to save a Rob Kemp effort but the last action fittingly had Johnson making the save of the night.
With the Hornets defence stretched, Brothers curled a sumptuous shot from the edge of the area, which looked a goal all the way until Johnson finger tipped the ball over the bar.
Debenham LC, Johnson, Powling, Cussons (Ince 74), Gooderham, French, Kemp, Taylor-Holt, Allen (Cannon 50), Gedny (Huggins 66), Deacon, Vince.
Man of the Match; Louis Johnson - A brilliant display.
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Weather for Diss
Thursday 09 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 15 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South west
