Cold Day, but a warm feeling at the end of the game

Today’s squad Frankie, Louis, Edonis, Tom, Jed, Olly, Saul, Connor, Arlind, Morris, Max, Gabe, Joey, Harry and Tommy

Twas the last game before Christmas and all was still……….bah humbug LOL

Much better start to the game, a little slow in pressing but we did not give any goals away in the first five minutes. They did start better and had most of the possession but we also looked good on the counter attack. They had an early chance that went just wide. The strangest event was a great interception/ toe poke by Jed was deemed a deliberate back pass to Frankie who picked it up However the free kick came to nothing.

With fifteen minutes gone Max got the ball on our left and took the ball forward, he whipped in a fantastic cross that beat the defence and keeper to find Ollie Mc coming in at the far post to prod in 1.0

The next fifteen we came under a bit of pressure, they kept the ball well and created a few half chances that they should of scored from, finally though our resilience broke and from a corner they scored ! My main cause for concern was that the player was completely unmarked and was their tallest man… 1.1

Last fifteen were very tight with both teams creating chances, they nearly scored from a cross to the back post but the goal bound header was cleared by Connor. Saul, Tom and Edonis all made some vital tackles and clearances and Frankie made a superb save from a free kick going in the top corner.

At the other end Harry found some space on the edge of the box but the left foot shot was pulled wide , Gabe probably had the best chance at the end of the half as the ball got pulled back to him on the penalty spot and i thought he going to smash the ball home however it went over the bar. HT 1.1

Second half started and we were a little slow out the blocks, the ball was played forward and found a man in space and free 1.2 after five minutes.

No heads went down you picked your selves up and and hit back in the next ten minutes. Joey won a free kick, Tom hit the ball towards goal, the keeper misjudged completely and Saul head into the back of the net 2.2

Soon you got yourselves in front, Max won the ball after a poor goal kick by the keeper, he ran down the right and the angle got tight so i thought he was going to cross however Max had other ideas and blasted a shot into the far post a fantastic finish!!! Max then nearly injured himself as he ran into the cricket fence when going to celebrate 3.2

The last twenty you found yourselves under pressure but kept your shape and made some great blocks and tackles. whilst we always created chances. Gabe and Morris played a fantastic One/Two on the edge of the box and Gabe’s left footed shot went wide. Harry nearly got on the end of clearance from the back and saw his shot saved. Gabe was involved again in what i thought was going to be sure goal, Good work by Jed on left played Gabe in, Gabe cut back in on his right and i thought he was going to shoot and score instead he laid it to Saul whose first time shot was blocked by a defender.

The last five minutes was definitely “Park the bus” Tommy made a good tackle and Frankie cleared his line well. I got nervous on corners but we managed to hold firm finally the whistle went and a hard fought victory 3.2

MoTM Today i was pleased with all of you it was a tough match and they were a good side. We were missing a couple defender so we had to make changes. You all battled, closed, worked hard, created chances and supported each other as a team. My MoTM was Max an assist for the first goal and scored a fabulous one as well. He won headers in the middle of the park when he dropped deep to help the midfield while always a danger and threat in attack. Even taking it to the corner flag in the last minute and getting a whack for his efforts.

Well done all training on Wednesday and then a break for Christmas ……….