And so back to Outokumpu! This is where our season should have started on a warm Sunday back in early September. However, we had arrived then to find that the goalposts had not been put up and that they appeared generally unprepared for a game of football. Game postponed!
Their early 'poor' start to the season was reflected in their league position (foot of the table), but their position also belied the progress they had made recently - 4 draws and one defeat since Christmas, suggesting they had perhaps 'turned the corner'.
We tarted with a 4-3-3 formation, with Sam once again joining Ross & Danny upfront. Connor, Ants and Mat were in midfield and in front of the usual back four (Ben, Lew, Alex B and Ollie). Nick in goal.
It immediately became apparent that they were indeed not just there to make up the numbers and they matched us throughout a hard-fought first half. The only noteworthy point in the half relates to the attitude of the referee, but I'll say no more about that here!
The second half was much of the same with the Brinsworth goalkeeper in particular catching the eye through some excellent saves and an absolute dedication to making sure we didn't score. Then... breakthrough. Ross put us in front with 15 minutes gone. And from then, focus of the battle shifted slightly to 'holding what we had'. When changes were made, Chris, Joe, and Tom (in attack!)all did their bit too.
And 'hold' it we did to come away with another hard-earned 3 points. Hats of to all of them again for their effort and determination. I have seen teams wilt under the sort of pressure they faced and dealt with this afternoon.
Another game that will stay in the memory due to our attitude rather than 'pretty football'.
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