Today’s squad Frankie, Saul, Morgan, Edonis, Bucks, Tom, Connor, Louis, Joey, Jed, Gabe, Reynolds, Joel, Chris and Arlind.

A Game at Last (Saul was happy) !!!!!!!

A good morning to play football as the weather had broke a bit. The pitch not to bad considering the rain and snow in the last six weeks, a bit of surface water in the middle and the wings very slippery.

The game actually started very slowly with both teams making a few mistakes in the opening minutes. Suddenly we broke down the left and Saul drove into the box and had his heels clipped and then he did the splits!!! Penalty……… so two minutes gone and Tom calmly put the ball to the keepers left. 1.0

Very soon after we get out second corner of the match, Jed whips the ball into the box it bounces around the keeper parries but only straight to Connor who passes it into the net 2.0 But to be honest we hadn’t got going yet.

Next ten minutes we had a few more chances their keeper made two or three fantastic saves. Jed was unlucky with a shot across the goal and Gabe had one cleared off the line. The next ten minutes it was pressure from Brady and they got a penalty, Tom turned back into trouble and the striker robbed him of the ball as he drove into the box we still had a couple chances to clear but instead we caught the striker Penalty……. The forward also put the penalty to Frankies left and he nearly got a hand to it 2.1

Next ten minutes was more pressure from Brady yes we looked dangerous on the attack with Chris causing problems but we kept creating our own problems trying to be too clever in our half. Again we had two or three chances to clear yet we didnt, the ball came out to the forward who shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced in. 2.2 it was a great shot. (Saul was not happy).

Last five minutes a bit scrappy, Frankie made a excellent one on one save, the ball got cleared and we broke upfield. the ball was played in on the right Tom flicked the ball on and Saul volleyed in the near post. A really good goal. (Saul was now content to pleased) Half Time 3.2

That was a really important goal just before the break, 1) get our confidence back and 2) knock them a bit.

Second half started again a very cagey affair but we were on the attack straight away. Chris and Gabe both unlucky with a couple chances. Frankie swept really well behind the defence and the defence lets say stepped up their game after a indifferent first half. With about 15 minutes of they had a corner Frankie claimed the ball and kicked it out to Gabe on the wing who controlled the ball and drove into the box and calmly finished. A assist from Frankie but good strength and trickery from Gabe. 4.2

Very soon after this the game was effectively killed off again the ball played up to Gabe who collected on the edge of the box, he drove into the area and finished well. 5.2

Next goal again from a Brady corner, Connor won the ball in defense and did a reverse pass up the wing to Chris who picked it up and ran 60 yards to goal. Jed sped after him looking for the cross ball back, Instead Chris went for the shot which deflected off a defender with a last ditch tackle, however Jed was rewarded for his run as he passed into a empty net. 6.2 (Saul was Happy again).

Last five minutes and Nick made a host of changes but we probably should of scored two or three more. Chris and Edonis both put over the bar when it seemed they would score. We switched off and Brady scored I think people were just getting onto their positions 6.3 ( Saul not happy at all !!!)

Last minute and Gabe picks the ball up goes round two players and scores a great goal to complete his hat-trick Well done, Best complement i heared was from a Brady parent who compared Gabe to Ibrahimovic ….

Final Score 7.3 (Saul very Happy)

Phew……..What a game to come back on. Yes you all looked a bit rusty but thats six weeks out. The defence ( Morgan,Edonis, Tom, Saul) had a fantastic second half and looked much more in control in that period. Attacking wise Joey, Connor, Gabe, Jed, Chris played great one-twos / triangles pulled the defence all over the place. The Two Louis both helped shore up defence from full back. Joel, Arlind and Reynolds had much better second halfs tracking back and getting forward from the wide areas.

MoTM: Some contenders Frankie, in command today, made a couple of great saves and got assist. Saul worked tirelessly in defence or midfield and scored a cracking goal, But today it went to Gabe his first two goals were really well taken and killed off Brady. He held the ball up well and linked up with all his team mates. Really good match.

Well done all. I  expect this to be the stepping stone that gets the second half of the season off.

Training tomorrow at 6.30 Ashmole.