Athletico Excelsior v Frenchmans Cove
Match Summary
First Half
Decent weather greeted the buoyant Excelsior team which seemed ready for their first home game of the season. Appearances were deceiving in this case with Excelsior getting off to a comfortable start yet again attempting to hold the ball and create chances looked the better team for large periods of this game but after a first goal was conceded the heart and any hassle left Excelsiors game rapidly. Quick goal followed due to unusually lazy play causing the opposition to have the upper hand in possession and a well taken headed goal from Frenchmans centre back caused inter-team arguments. Another opposition attack from a looped clearance was allowed to bounce behind the defence and was collected and cooly dispatched by Frenchmans centre forward, with pretty much the last kick of the half.
HT 0-3
Second Half
Frenchmans came out quickly sensing blood and scored another a few minutes into the second half. Ant picked up a knee injury which ended (despite the amount of goals conceded) a solid game for Ant who could not be faulted for any of the goals. Ant is replaced between the sticks by Ross Parker and the game continues with substitute Darren Worral brought on outfield. Excelsior start shifting the play well and start to show the passing ability in the team which was sadly illusive in the first half which saw Athletico peppering high long balls to non existent attackers. Ross looks solid between the posts and starts to command the defense and starts attacking moves using his full backs. Substition made Joe Davies for Carey Baird.
PENALTY Excelsior!
After a good spell of possession a move starting at the back ends up on the foot of Will inside the box. He is cruelly brought down by the opponents keeper and he is sent off for a professional foul. Sean Lonsdale steps up to take it against a makeshift keeper only to see his well struck penalty saved onto the bar. The rebound falls to Sean again 6 yards out only for him to slice it wide, to then be substituted almost immediately for Carl Williamson. The three subs Joe, Darren and Carl all fit into the formation quickly and get involved in neat interplays. The last 20 minutes Excelsior with the impetus to attack and push into the oppositions box. A few freekicks are awarded at close range although nothing comes of them. This unfortunately was the last part of major action despite Excelsior having the one man advantage.
Final Score 0-4
Excelsior need a win to gain some confidence but the most dis-heartening feature was the seemingly non existent trust in each other. The easy ball was too often squandered and the basics of the game forgotten. That said some sections of the game looked good for Excelsior especially the last 20 minutes. We need to move on now boys. Keep heads held high, a team unity. Those who find errors funny and turn up less than enthusiastic need to take a look at themselves and the name on the shirt. All the individuals play on the pitch as a team. Anything less should not be accepted. Look at the lad across from you they want to get that first win just as much as you do. Not one person can be blamed for the performance today. We lose together, so lets start winning TOGETHER! U.T.A.E.
