CRIBBS | MAKING WAVES

Duru revelling in Southern League life

We selected Wimborne Town’s top of the table clash with Cribbs as our Pitching In Southern League Division One South game of the day ahead of the weekend action and it certainly lived up to its billing.

Watched by a crowd of over 800, it was the visitors who took the lead through Josh Bennett but the hosts hit back as half-time approached through Oakley Hanger.

The second period started with a red card for Cribbs’ Ross McErlain before Cameron Munn put the home team ahead just past the hour.

The visitors then went down to nine men as Sonnny Harnett-Balkwill was dismissed with McIntosh Boyd saving the subsequent penalty and then moments later, Aysa Corrick was sent for an early bath to leave Cribbs facing the final 20 minutes with just eight men.

The drama didn’t end there as David Duru popped up with an 86th minute equaliser to make it 2-2 on a breathless afternoon.

“As a team we thrive on challenges like this,” Duru told us. “We’ve got high quality personnel here from the management to the players, so going into the season we knew that we would be able to give a good account of ourselves at this level.

“If I am being honest, it surprised me how quickly we have been able to make the adjustment and adapt to the demands of the Southern League.

“We went into the season with our eyes wide open as to how tough this level is, but from our first game we made our intentions crystal clear.

“I admit that from a personal point of view, it took me a number of games to adjust to the pace, but I think that as the season has gone on, I have adapted well and I am really enjoying my football.

“I’ve still got a long way to go, but I am pleased to be making an impact and it was nice to get the goal to earn us a good point from Saturday’s game given the circumstances.”

Duru has worked his way up through the ranks at the club over the past seven years.

“To reach 100 appearances for the first-team is an achievement that I am extremely proud of,” he added. “I am grateful to the Gaffer, Richard Luffman, for showing belief in me throughout these years.

“I think I’m having a decent season so far, but there is still a fair amount of improving to do. I’m scoring goals but I want to be more consistent with my performance levels.

“As a club our target is to finish the season in the play-off positions, so my main objective is to help the team achieve this.

“We’ll keep working hard and learning along the way. The togetherness within the group is strong and this will serve us well in the battles that lie ahead.”

There was an extra bonus for Duru as his strike in the 2-1 victory at Bideford was voted as Goal of the Week.

“It was nice to get this recognition,” he added. “It’s one of my favourite goals this season; it’s definitely up there in my top four.”

Cribbs return to home action on Saturday with the visit of Melksham Town.

IMAGE: Martin Pearce

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