Wind last week, rain and damp this week, but it didn't dampen the appetite for a thrilling feast of football today!.
Hoping to continue our good form of late, and our mini unbeaten run in the league, we were up against Crewe Panthers today, with only Alex missing from the squad. Bryan was back after a week off f with his cracked ankle and Lol made it with 2 minutes gone!
We started with Kai, and a slightly different defence of Max at the back, Mark sat in front of him. Bryan, Ben and Arron filled the midfield whilst Matt had a run up front.
In the first minute, Bryan went storming down the right winning a corner which Matthew put into the box causing havoc but Panthers cleared. at the other end Max was excelling himself, along with Mark, both looking very good at the back. Ben played in Matthew who lined up to shoot, only to have the ball taken away for another corner, Matthew then played in Ben, who shot wide. Bryan made a superb tackle and run, shooting wide too. Arron was dangerous over on the left as Betley took control, but Kai had to be called on, making a great save, diving at the feet of an almost certain goal. The first period ended, 0 - 0, but not for the want of trying by both teams.
Second period, and some changes to make sure we utilise the squad, Sam came on for Bryan, Ben Hin' for Mark, and Lol for Matthew, with Lol dropping back, Max going up front and Ben Hin, sitting in front of Lol.
Kai started again with another smart save, and his goal kicks and drop kicks were a vast improvement on recent weeks, well done. Arron, still out on the left played a beautiful ball in to Ben who shot wide, exciting stuff this!
But in the 17th minute, a nothing chance by Panthers saw an unstoppable shot from the edge of our area fly into the net, Tigers were stunned! but we were 1 - 0 down. The lads battled valiantly, Ben Hin strong in the tackle, Max, unselfish and great passing and hitting the post in the process, but we ended period two, a goal behind.
Third period, and some more swapping, Sam going up front, Bryan on for Max, dropping to the right, Mark back in the middle, Matthew on the left.
Bryan played in Sam whose shot forced a corner, Matthew crossed a lovely corner in for Bryan to take advantage of the confusion it caused, and half volleyed home! 1 - 1.
Tigers on the up now, Bryan played in Sam again, well saved! and again! A Mark free kick to Bryan, shot wide! all Betley. Bryan, shot over the bar, we were going all out for a winner and we all thought it came when Bryan played it out to Matthew, a great run and shot, the ball bouncing out to Max, who hammered home! 2 - 1, not long left!
Game wasn't over, and Kai had to be smart again, at the other end, Bryan nearly settled it but hit the post! The supporters were all waiting for the final whistle when a good Panthers team move saw their forward slot under Kai with the very last kick of the game! disapointing for not winning, but a great exciting game to watch (as a neutral that is!)
Still, the team played well, undefeated, and carried plenty of threat which bodes well for the rest of the season. Max shaded man of the Match, called on to do a good job in defence and his unselfish passing, well done.
till next week, thanks for the everlasting support
lyndon
