Affinity Paint the Town Red
The Pingles, a favourite ground for Affinity where we have never been beaten, was the scene for our first game with Paint the Town Red (PTTR). PTTR who had had an unbeaten start to the season had a very energetic warm up but it was Affinity who started the brighter. The early play was full of energy and the swiftness and accuracy of the passing caused PTTR problems all over the field as Gary and Mike A bossed the middle of midfield and Josh, Oli, Matt and James W made good use of space on the flanks. This was a pattern that would be repeated throughout the game.
Affinity made the most of the possession with a fine hooked finish by Mike C. PTTR hadn’t had a shot on target at this stage although they started to enjoy a little more possession. Affinity continued to press but couldn’t convert the chances that they created into goals. Just before half time PTTR levelled the game with a shot through a crowded defence that gave James J no chance.
Ian replaced Oli at half time and Mike A moved to the left. The wind seemed to have picked up a bit at the start of the second half and Affinity found themselves on the back foot. The self belief now a characteristic of Affinity play overcame this period of pressure and turned defence to attack. A well deserved second goal followed for Affinity with Lee turning in a pass from Mike C. The lead didn’t last long though with PTTR finding a second equaliser.
The game was stretched now and it was likely that the next goal would be conclusive. Both sides had chances but it was Affinity who went back in front with Lee scoring his second after good work from James W and Mike C. PTTR pushed forward for the equaliser but Affinity held firm with bodies thrust in the way of the ball at corners and free kicks to prevent reducing the three points they deserved to one. Special mention in those last few for James J plucking the ball off the head of a PTTR attacker and Lee and Mike C making decisive challenges on the edge of our own box. The final whistle heralded celebrations from the Affinity players whilst the PTTR players were given a stern warm down reminiscent to Phil Brown’s dress down to his Hull players last year.
Difficult to select a man of the match because this victory was down to an excellent all round team performance but Mr Consistency Mike A shaded it with another classy display.
