A superb all round performance today from the lads saw us comfortably and deservedly gain another 3pts. With Dan and Jordan rested for the start of the game it was nice to see the other players stamp their authority on the game.
The game started with chances at both ends and Ben, not for the first time this season, came to the rescue with some fine handling and brave keeping, diving at the feet of the opposition striker to deny a good goal scoring opportunity. At the other end Ross was his usual busy self and was causing their defence lots of problems. Charlie Owen and Callum started the game in midfield and soon started to influence the outcome of the game. With some determined tackling from Owen and Charlie we were able to push the Areley Kings midfield back and this led to our first goal. A great defensive clearance from Sam was controlled well by Owen who beat two defenders down the left flank he played a great ball into Ross and Ross finished well with a low left footed drive. This gave the lads great confidence and Owen in particular was superb in everything he done. The workrate he put into the game was amazing and this inspired the other lads. The second goal was a great solo effort from Ross who picked the ball up on the edge of the box after a clearance from a corner and beat two men and shot into the back of the net. The Areley Kings lads did not give up and still had chances of their own but great defending from Sam and James and great closing down on the edge of our box from Callum and Charlie made sure we didn’t concede. After another spell of pressure the third goal came and what a great move it was. Owen received the ball on the wide right from a short corner with his back to goal then turned and beat his marker, then with another defender bearing down on him flicked the ball over his legs looked up and found Ross inside the box with a delightful pass and Ross had a simple tap in to make it 3-0 and complete his hat trick. HT 3-0
The second half saw us soak up some early pressure but again Callum and Sam were superb at the back. Owen again was strong in midfield and he and Jordan pushed the team forward with every opportunity. After some great chasing back from Owen he found Jordan on the right who beat two players then found Dan on the edge of the box. Dan side stepped his marker and let fly and the ball found the back of the net to make it 4-0. A string of corners followed as we kept pushing forward and occasionally we were caught on the break but again brave keeping from Ben and great defensive work from Sam kept our clean sheet intact. With just seconds to go Callum picked the ball up in midfield and ran forward with strength and determination and found Ross on the edge of the box. Ross was not going to be denied and finished with style to make it 5-0 FT 5-0.
Match Summary: A great performance from the boys today. Everyone played a part in this victory and the boys should be proud of themselves. The key for me was our determination to close down space to deny the opposition and then to create space once we had possession. Nobody did this better than Owen today who was simply superb with his tackling, passing, movement and vision and deserves to be man of the match. Well Done!.
