Todays date just happened to be the 10th of the 1oth of 2010, could Betley Tigers, after last weeks outstanding performance, go one better and make it 10, 10, 10 10!!.
This was always going to be our hardest test to date, Crewe Tigers being a formidable team from the higher divisions last season, and we really did need a carry on from last week.
Kai was back in goal, Lol at the back, Mark playing defending midfield, Ben in the middle, Bryan on the right, Arron left and Max central up front. Ben H, Alex, Sam and Matt started on the side but today, the whole squad was desperately needed.
Like so many games so far (most annoying!) it was early after the kick off that Betley conceded, a nothing ball in the box gave an opportunist strike, and a slight deflection and the ball was in the Betley net! 1 - 0 to Crewe. Again, another slow start from Betley, but credit to the opposition who started on the front foot and stayed that way for 98% of the game. The first period remained with Crewe tigers having the 'lions' share of possession, and our back three of Kai, Lol and Mark taking a pounding! The period ended with Betley still only 1 down, and we had to regroup quickly.
Period 2 saw Alex replace Lol, Matt on the right for Bryan, and Sam up front for Max. However, the second period carried on pretty much as the first, with Crewe in control all over the pitch,Sam was rarely getting the ball and Matt and Arron were just not getting down the flanks, all the work again was being in the Betley last third, Kai making 2 excellent saves as a flurry of shots and crosses were being sent in again and again. Betley, though were not lying down, and to a man, were always looking to do the right thing, no heads were dropping, no moaning from the players, maybe it just wasn't going to be?
Period 3, and now some more changes to rest some very tired legs! Betley were learning today how much work effort was required when a team does not have the ball for long periods! Bryan replaced Kai, Lol back on for Mark, Ben H for Arron and Max in midfield for Ben.
Yet again, Betley on the back foot, Bryan making 2 great saves, tipping the ball out for corners, then punching clear, good kicking and clearances from Bryan were now giving Betley a couple of half chances to relieve some pressure and get up the pitch, as Matt then Max put a couple of decent crosses in but no one to pick up on.
Myself and Andrew were thinking that it wasn't going to happen today, the Crewe Tigers manager was probably slightly disapointed his team had not scored more (a credit to Betley defence mind you!), the legion of Betley supporters hadn't given up though, they know what we are like! and were encouraging the whole team to the bitter end.
At this point I must write and say, that the whole team spirit was wonderful, these guys have learnt how to play, win and lose as a team, and they just didn't want to lose today. With 3 minutes left, Ben H got the ball on the wing on the half way line, he used all his strength and got the ball past 3 Crewe players, looked up, and played a perfect pass in front of Sam, who had never given up chasing all day.
Sam drew the Crewe keeper and calmly slotted it under him and into the net! Joy! what a goal! what timing, i didn't see Sams celebration as i was too busy bouncing up and down on the touchline, but i hope he enjoyed it as much as everyone on our side. 1 - 1 and Betley went for the throat, Max put in 2 excellent corners that resulted in scrambles, no time left, and the game ended up a draw, but a maasive pyschological win for us.
Sam had run the line well during his time on the pitch and it was to his credit that the opposition manger voted him out man of the match, but again, many thanks to the whole squad for never ever giving up, it really is a pleasure, and exciting being involved with these guys!
P.S. as a footnote, what really did the magic was myself re tying Marks laces up! Jackie, you have been warned! until next week, thank you all again
Lyndon
