Both ARYPT games had been postponed earlier in the season and a Tuesday evening in May would see the first (and last) of our fixtures against the old foe.
This would be a typical game against ARYPT, fiercely contested and not really enjoyable if we’re being totally honest!
Neither team had anything to play for really but pride and there was plenty of effort from both sides but Affinity’s first half performance showed that they had only played 2 games in the previous 10 weeks and their shape suffered from this. ARYPT had a number of chances that were snuffed out by Dale and the defence and ARYPT’s attackers might have felt a little disappointed with their finishing. One particular save by Dale when an attacker was free in front of goal was worth the attendance fee alone.
Opportunities for Affinity were limited in the first period with the ARYPT defence playing a good line. Not having played particularly well there was encouragement at half time that Affinity were level.
Affinity were a better match for ARYPT from the start of the second half with the midfield and attack pressing more effectively as a unit. ARYPT went ahead though with a powerful shot from distance from a defender leaving Dale and the defence no chance.
Affinity’s response was immediate and they played their best football of the game for next 10 minutes pressing and harrowing ARYPT into making mistakes and attacking down both flanks. This pressure was rewarded by an equaliser with Mike finding James on the right and Josh P finishing cleanly from the cross from the right.
With 20 minutes left to play you had to feel that the next goal might win the game and this proved to be the case. ARYPT’s response to the equaliser was to push forward and they retook the lead with a powerful header from a cross from the left hand side.
ARYPT closed the game down from this point effectively keeping the ball and generally bullying Affinity where possible. The final whistle of the season brought to an end a game that largely summed Affinity’s season up; a bit stop/start and inconsistent but with periods of good team play.
Ian’s overall performance both in defence and moving forward when the opportunities allowed wins him the man of the match award. Dale also worthy of a mention for his performance
