Up this week was Allestree, a bit of a bogey team I am told for Chellaston having lost to them both home and away last year 1-0 and 6-1 respectively so has enough improvement been made to beat them with a rejuvenated squad, time would tell but I had been looking forward to it all week, we all love an underdog story !! Upon arrival however it was dubious at best whether we would actually even get to play, the weather was simply attrocious but with the referee not wanting to make a decision it was left down to us and as we were all there, it was game on !
We all acknowledged before hand that although the same for both teams, it would be a lottery who would be the eventual winner as anything could happen with the winds being so fierce. Not ideal conditions for 2 teams wanting to battle it out at the top but nevertheless we wanted to play.
As the whistle blew we were on top, was it the wind helping or were we just on form, I couldn't tell but soon enough the ball was in the back of the net. A fantastic determined run from Shay from the back had him running virtually the length of the pitch to the touchline, pulling the ball back and making a perfect pass straight to Finlay who calmly slotted it into the back of the net. 1-0 to Chellaston and fully deserved.
Allestree weren't done there though, and after a loose ball in the middle of the park it was soon 1-1. It looked like in these conditions it was going to be one of those games. Back to the middle it went.
As the first half progressed it was all Chellaston but we just couldn't break the deadlock. I lost count of how many times we shot and hit the side netting. At least we were shooting, something that we have been lacking over recent weeks but we needed to take these chances as anything could happen in the second half in the current conditions.
Karsen was looking hungry though and after the ball broke deep in our own half, Tom was there to loft the ball forward and the race was on, there was only going to be one winner and it was suddenly 2-1 to Chellaston. We were back in front and no one could argue it was fully deserved.
The whistle blew for half time and there was some tired cold legs walking back in. After some words of encouragement they were back on the park. We re-iterated the game was far from over and wit the high winds changing direction by the minute anything could happen and soon enough it did. A goal to them and it was 2-2.
The wind was clearly now on there side and the pitch was deteriorating rapidly. Our midfield was struggling through no fault of there own as the ground was heavy going and turning into a mud bath. Playing against the wind it was even more of a struggle and the when Allestree hit the back of the net once again, it was really no surprise. The boys were trying there best but on a pitch getting worse by the minute, and severe wind against them it was always going to be an uphill struggle.
So there it was, the final result was 3-2 to Allestree.
Although none of us like loosing lets look at the positives.
1). The game was tough for all, both us and them but it was played throughout in good spirits. The discipline remained great and no silly bookings were made and never did it look like they would. 2). In my opinion we definitely played the better football and in normal conditions, have no doubt in my mind that we would have won. The lads will probably never play in such severe winds again in their life. 3). Although a loss this is only the second of the league campaign. If you count our first game against Allenton this is 6 wins and only 2 losses, not bad stats that. 4). We remain in 2nd place in our division, 3 points off top and 3 games in hand. 3rd place has also played 2 games more than us.
When you look at all the above we are clearly in a good place. We are not going to win them all and to be honest, I don't think its good for the kids development if we do. This division is proving to be a great place to be where anyone can beat anyone and all teams we've encountered are of similar ability, just how it should be.
With regards to man of the match there was no standout player in my opinion, it was tough stuff being played all over the park and certainly nothing too pretty. In view of this we decided to give it to new boy Denver. His dogged determination was great to see and he's sure to be a great asset to this already talented squad so well done Denver and the goals are sure to come.
Next week we play Mickleover again where we hope we can get back to winning ways. Theres no easy games in this division so early nights next Saturday for all the lads and lets get back on top where we belong.
Not sure whats happening with training next week as Brendan is working and I'm ready for the scrappers yard after a fall snowboarding last week so we'll have to se how I am later in the week but I'll keep you all posted.
Onwards and upwards.... Up the reds !!
