Robins mugged by thieving Magpies (09.10.04)

A GOAL in the second minute of injury-time by Lawrence Yaku spared the Magpies’ blushes at Colsten Avenue on Saturday afternoon.
In a match high in team endeavour but low in individual skill, the Magpies looked to be running into a brick wall as Carshalton – down to 10 players for the final 30 minutes – were comfortably withstanding any final fightback.
However, with the local faithful appealing for the final whistle to be blown, a Bryan Smith corner was taken short to Barrie Matthews, who laid the ball back off for Smith to deliver a pin-point cross to the top of the six yard box.
Lawrence Yaku beat the off-side trap and glanced his header into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal.
It was a goal which gave the Magpies a point they probably deserved, although it is difficult to think that either manager will be content with the fare served up.
The match was largely played between the two penalties areas in a pin-ball manner with little midfield creativity. The game became stretched right from the outset as neither midfield really supported the front line.
Curiously the central players were also below par when it came to providing protection for their respective back fours, ensuring a contest which produced chances but little discernible pattern.
A strong, downfield wind certainly allowed the treams to pump the ball long and this nearly paid dividends early for the Magpies when Yaku had a half-chance, but his one-on-one effort was saved by the keeper.
This was the first of several good stops by both keepers, although Nick Hart in particular still had his scary moments coming off his line.
Yaku and Jamie Cook both went close before Richard O’Connor enjoyed a golden chance to score, but his shoot was bundled away.
Hart then pulled off a classy save just before the break when left isolated with McDonnell.
But he could only make a half-stop two minutes after the interval when a simple free-kick from Sam Saunders was met by Danny Carroll who powered his header home.
Carroll nearly scored again two minutes later but this time Hart was equal to the header.
Opportunities now came and went at both ends with Yaku the biggest culprit missing an absolute sitter with his head from six yards.
At the other end Hart was busy mostly denying McDonnell who could have had a hatful.
But as the match lurched into its final death throws – and with Carshalton showing little sign of being hampered by having Ali Reeves dismissed for two bookable offences – it seemed another three points had disappeared for the visitors.
Then Smyth, Matthews and Yaku all played their part in snatching a goal and a point at the death, which may yet signal a reversal in fortunes for the Magpies.
However, they will have to raise their standards from Saturday’s level if this is to be a sustainable revival rather than a temporary moment of raised hopes.