Thank goodness it stopped raining. As I'd looked out of the window in the morning, it seemed like it might be one of those days of battling away in driving rain. But when we turned up at Reignhead the sun was shining. Our opponents today are Oxspring United from way up north!
We started strongly and were in front through Ross after 5 minutes. We could’ve had 3 or 4 more with some good attacking work from Ross and Danny, and Chris hit a scorcher which forced their keeper into his best save of the game, as he parried it round the post.
Defence were pretty solid with Joe and Ben holding the flanks and Alex Birkett and Lew unbeatable in the middle. I can’t leave out midfield – Will and Chris were tireless in the heart of midfield, and Alex Hewitt and Mat worked some magic down the wings.
At half time, we were definitely worth our one goal lead – but, it ought to have been more, and they’d rallied in the last five and caused us a few tricky moments.
The re-start came with play see-sawing between us and them – we need a second! Then one of their defenders handled in the box and Danny stepped up cool as you like to give us some daylight and breathing space. Chris seemed to be tiring so Connor went on with instructions to sit just in front of the back four and “break it up”. He did that most of the time. Actually, I couldn’t fault him the one time he didn’t stick to the plan – ‘cos he picked the ball up just inside their half, beat 5 or 6 players and put it in the net! Fantastic! Three up and looking good. The game was effectively over by then, Sam had come on and added to the attacking options and I thought we looked pretty comfortable from there on in. Sam’s well-taken goal 10 minutes from time was icing on the cake.
The only player I’ve not mentioned so far is Nick who’s brave and alert goalkeeping kept them out at the times when they might have punished us. A superb display. And another mention for Lew who was awesome throughout.
How good does it feel, I asked afterwards. “Flppin’ wonderful!” – they all agreed (or words to that effect). And me and Neil thought so too, as we searched for lost balls. Their manager came over and said we were the “best team they’ve played so far”. I hope they all went home and felt proud of themselves and the team. I know I did.
And – although it was the first day of winter time, and the afternnon was drawing in - the sun was still shining brightly as I left Reignhead...
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