After another break in games due to the ongoing bad weather we were back in action today against Heanor Town. Always a tough match this one although we have come out victorious the last 2 times we've played them that I know about.
Due to the rugby being cancelled we also had a boost in the squad today with both Harry B and Jayden being available.
Straight from the whistle we looked good, passing from the back all the way to Karsen upfront. I can honestly say that the first 10 minutes was some of the best football I'd seen Chellaston play since Ive been here, we looked totally in control and when Karsen slotted the ball into the back of the net after a lovely through ball from Tom, I don't think there was anyone watching who would have thought we didn't deserve it.
Heanor however are a good strong team that were always going to come back into it and that they did. Slowly they appeared to be taking charge and a team that are not that used to loosing suddenly came to life.
A run from the right into the box saw one of there players slip and a penalty against us was given. Dubious decision if you ask me as I honestly don't think our player even touched him but thats football and thats why the season isn't decided in one game.
Just Josh and the penalty taker now, who would win this contest...... Of course our number 1 would with a fine save keeping us at 1-0 right into the break.
At half time Brendan gave his orders and told some home truths to the lads and out they went under no illusion of what was expected of them. A tough battle ensued.
Foul after foul was committed, push after push, elbow after elbow thrown, they are a big aggressive team and had clearly been told that they would not beat us by playing football so to get stuck into us. A fantastic rugged display from our lads were every bit a match for them I'm pleased to say.
Sure it wasn't the prettiest game we've ever played but sometimes on days like these, with a muddy rough pitch and a team in your face you've just got to dig deep and get through it. Thats exactly what we did and Brendan and I couldn't be prouder of that display right to the end whistle where we held on to our first half goal and the game finished 1-0.
These are the games I love..... incredibly competitive, feisty, muddy, just an outright battle. Heanor are sure to be battling out at the top of the division which makes this win even more important if we are to achieve what both Brendan and I feel this team of talented young players are capable of.
Some great individual performances today, Harry B and Jeevan were absolutely first class today, outstanding. Harry L and Tom in the middle must absolutely know they were in a battle today and did themselves and all of us proud. Obviously Karsen doing what he does, scoring goals was great..... but man of the match goes to "safe hands" Josh.
On a cold day against a very good team he didn't actually get that much to do which was a credit to the back 4 but everything he was tasked with, was executed brilliantly. They couldn't even get past him from the penalty spot so the accolade today must go to Josh. Well done.
Onto next week now where we play Belper Sports again. They currently sit top of our Division playing 6 with 4 wins and 2 loses. 1 of those loses however came against us the other week where we managed to beat them away 2-0 so lets see if we can do it again at our place and keep our 100% record and clean sheet in tact. 2 league games on the board, 6 points totalled, zero goals conceded and possibly the 2 most competitive teams played. Not a bad start so far so early night for the lads next week and lets see if we can keep this momentum going !!
