Well, just when you thought not much else would suprise you with this group of improving boys, they pull one out like this!
Knowing we were going to be down to the wire, so to speak, in squad availability today (Mark, Matthew and Alex) all unavailable. It was a bit of of a shocker when only 6 player attended! (not sure what happened to Ben H today?, hope hes ok).
Anyway, the weather had slightly cooled from yesterday, only 25 degrees! and, i must say at this point, and i know the opposition dont read these reports, but a massive thank you to the Crewe Panthers manager and staff and players, who dispite having 10 players available, choose to play also with 6 players! In this day and age, a true magnaminous sporting gesture.
Well, we started brightly, all players knowing how much effort was going to be needed to get through this one, as the opposition had 4 subs to keep them fresh.
Bryan in goal, only Lol as the last man standing in front of him, Ben in the middle with Arron and Sam and Max playing both up fromt and defending!
Arron made a good couple of lovely runs down the right, causing problems, at the other end a smart diving save by Bryan gave Crewe their first corner, of which Tigers broke, Sam ran up the left, crossed to Max whose first time shot rattled the post! a great start, but could we keep this tempo up?
Yes was the answer as in the 10th minute a storming run by Arron saw his shot hit the bar and bounce down on the line, Tigers thought we had scored, but the referee waved paly on, so not given. Crewe then at the other end shot over when a goal looked likely.
Bryan was called into action again, as half time approached, with a confident hold of the ball from a strong shot as Tigers were in need of the half time whistle, which came, leaving it even at 0-0.
Second half, and to switch it a bit, Bryan put on his outfield shirt and Ben went in goal for a rest, and imrdiately a good move by Lol, to sam, saw Bryan steam in and shot just wide. At the other end, Arron was covering loads of ground getting back to help Lol, who stood fast, taking no chances, clearing at every opportunity into the crowd. Crewe were not without their moments though, hitting the post with a deflected shot! We had the feeling that if we let one in now, it would be tough to get back in.
Not a bit of it, god knows where the second wind came from, but a lovely move, Max to Bryan, Bryan back to Max who again rattled the bar!! At the other end a corner from Crewe saw a shot bang against the post! what a game from both teams.
34 minutes gone, plenty of tired legs on Betley, but a delicious through ball on the half way line by Arron to Bryan, saw a strong run into the box, keeper drawn and a low left foot shot under the keeper! 1 - 0 Betley Wow!!
Clever play by the guys there on in, stout defending at all costs! and great saves by Ben with his feet, tackling in the area just like a last man!
Referee added 2 minutes on! players 'dead' on their feet, but what a result! whistle gone! collapse on the pitch! and a big cheer for the sportmanship of the opposition, we won 1 - 0.
Well done to all six, im so proud and im sure the spectators alike were too! bring on the rest of the season, and imagine what we can be capable off when all players available!
thanks to all, Lyndon
