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...
Sunday, 28 October 2007
Sunday, 21 October 2007
Sunday 21 October 2007 vs Charnock (away)
The romance of the cup! Today we face a team a couple of division above us. No cause for concern, we all know what can happen in cup ties. The form book often goes out of the window and it's what happens on the day that counts. As favourites - do they think they must win? Will they underestimate us, or do they know enough not to? Do we go out and play like we know we can, or do we let a little bit of nerves creep in? Does that little bit of luck go for us or against us? Does their keeper have a bad cold? Did our attackers have an early night?! So many factors can influence a game, and this is not FIFA Championship Manager (or whatever) and a computer will have no bearing on what will unfold today.
Well, the sun shone and the pitch at Lightwood was lush and green. Anyone who has ever been in a game up there with puddles all over the pitch and a howling wind blowing sleet in your face will know that's a big plus. We had Chris Sykes available for the first time, and a full squad to choose from. With a few adjustments to the starting line up, we took the field bright eyed and ready to go.
Charnock were strong and disciplined. They didn't rush headlong at us, and, because of that there was space to exploit if we could. I won't write a great deal about the game - unfortunately I had to miss some of it, but Neil gave me the lowdown later.
They took an early lead on 5 minutes through a defensive mis-read that most of the time means nothing, but today cost us. Not deterred, we pressed forwarded and fought to contain them on the break. We were rewarded with an excellent long range goal from Chris Sykes and there were other half chances that might have gone for us.
But... as I said earlier they were disciplined and patient and ended up with five goals to their credit. No cup run for us this year, then.
Always look on the bright side; their organisation and the way they went about taking us on, brought food for thought and highlighted some areas to work on that can only do us good, long-term. Monday night at Spinkhill beckons!
Well, the sun shone and the pitch at Lightwood was lush and green. Anyone who has ever been in a game up there with puddles all over the pitch and a howling wind blowing sleet in your face will know that's a big plus. We had Chris Sykes available for the first time, and a full squad to choose from. With a few adjustments to the starting line up, we took the field bright eyed and ready to go.
Charnock were strong and disciplined. They didn't rush headlong at us, and, because of that there was space to exploit if we could. I won't write a great deal about the game - unfortunately I had to miss some of it, but Neil gave me the lowdown later.
They took an early lead on 5 minutes through a defensive mis-read that most of the time means nothing, but today cost us. Not deterred, we pressed forwarded and fought to contain them on the break. We were rewarded with an excellent long range goal from Chris Sykes and there were other half chances that might have gone for us.
But... as I said earlier they were disciplined and patient and ended up with five goals to their credit. No cup run for us this year, then.
Always look on the bright side; their organisation and the way they went about taking us on, brought food for thought and highlighted some areas to work on that can only do us good, long-term. Monday night at Spinkhill beckons!
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Sunday 7 October vs Greaseborough (home)
Kevin told me before the game that he'd overheard them talking about, "an easy 3 points"! What a shock for them! They obviously thought that, as a new team, we needed to be taught a lesson and were going to sit attentively while they showed us this new fangled game. What they hadn't reckoned on was our "fight" and our spirit and our determination not to roll over and give up! I think the tone of their touchline coaching said it all, and there were several Greaseborough players with bruised ears by the end of the game!
But it wasn't only our "bottle" that saw us through - we are actually a good side, and getting better. What we lack at the moment is a bit of cohesion in a couple of key areas.
Now, anyone who tells me you can weld together a first-class defensive unit in a few weeks has got a couple of "Terrys" and a few "Nevilles" in the squad. For sure there are excellent defences at this age and at this level, but I bet you a fiver they've been together for a few years.
We (me and Neil) know the back four is often too flat - something to work on , and with the calibre of players we've got - I know it'll come right. The keepers are a key part of that as well. But I'm here to praise and everyone of the defensive unit gave their all - thanks, lads.
Midfield fired in fits and starts, Mat was excellent on the left - going forward AND coming back. Spot on. The others were good too - we just need to be stronger at times and wait for the pass rather than try to force balls forward that just aren't there.
Upfront we were superb and all except Sam (next time, Sam) got something for their effort.
What an excellent squad this is - and with hard work and patience it'll really start to pay off.
The ref and his 2 trusty assistants had good games and I don't have to tell you how much of a bonus it is to have match officials who you can trust to get on and do the job. Thanks Si, Raz & Adam!
The sun shone, we didn't (amazingly) lose any balls, the dogsh*t count was low and the Reignhead End brought some good support!
And, yes we went down 3-4, but one day we'll look back and smile.
Next up is Charnock in the cup. A Division "D" side. Wonder if they think they'll get an easy ride...?!
But it wasn't only our "bottle" that saw us through - we are actually a good side, and getting better. What we lack at the moment is a bit of cohesion in a couple of key areas.
Now, anyone who tells me you can weld together a first-class defensive unit in a few weeks has got a couple of "Terrys" and a few "Nevilles" in the squad. For sure there are excellent defences at this age and at this level, but I bet you a fiver they've been together for a few years.
We (me and Neil) know the back four is often too flat - something to work on , and with the calibre of players we've got - I know it'll come right. The keepers are a key part of that as well. But I'm here to praise and everyone of the defensive unit gave their all - thanks, lads.
Midfield fired in fits and starts, Mat was excellent on the left - going forward AND coming back. Spot on. The others were good too - we just need to be stronger at times and wait for the pass rather than try to force balls forward that just aren't there.
Upfront we were superb and all except Sam (next time, Sam) got something for their effort.
What an excellent squad this is - and with hard work and patience it'll really start to pay off.
The ref and his 2 trusty assistants had good games and I don't have to tell you how much of a bonus it is to have match officials who you can trust to get on and do the job. Thanks Si, Raz & Adam!
The sun shone, we didn't (amazingly) lose any balls, the dogsh*t count was low and the Reignhead End brought some good support!
And, yes we went down 3-4, but one day we'll look back and smile.
Next up is Charnock in the cup. A Division "D" side. Wonder if they think they'll get an easy ride...?!
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