Our mini undefeated run would be put to the test here today, as we faced a very strong, tall, and also undefeated league leaders in Goostrey Gunners.
The management (Andrew and me!) also wanted to try a different formation line up today, and having had yesterdays training session to practice, we were looking forward to see it tested against our hardest opponents so far.
Our formation of 1-3-3 saw us start with Kai in goal, back three of Lol, Alex with Mark sat just in front. Bryan, Ben and Matthew were expected to hold midfield and get forward at any opportunity to be pushed up with Mark assisting. Sam, Max and Ben H were waiting in the wings.
Tigers started brightly, and a fantastic ball from Mark early on in the second minute saw Matthew force a corner, Matthew took it, Bryan controlled and played a tap on to Ben, who hammered it into the net from close range! 1 – 0 Betley! What a start.
Buoyed by the start, another corner was won, Ben firing wide, Mark was pushing up and Goostrey were finding it very difficult to get out of their own half, and when they did, Alex and Lol, one playing on the right and the other on the left alongside each other, were excellent in mopping up.
The first period was going well, a couple more corners, and Tigers were adapting brilliantly to the 'new style'. Bryan forced a good save from the busy Gunners keeper, Matthew went close. But just as we were dominating, a good team move by Goostrey saw a cross come in and their forward side step a challenge and slot home, a good team goal, but not really deserved, but never the less it was 1 - 1.
End of first period, and 1 - 1, Sam replaced Alex at the back on the right!, Max gave Mark a deserved rest to have a go at the holding role, and Ben H came on for Matthew.
Goostrey must have had a stearn team talk as they came out of the blocks on the re start quicker than us and Kai was called upon to make two excellent one on one saves, as the new replacements tried to settle into unaccustomed positions quickly. But at the other end, Tigers could of gone back in front with a lovely passing move by Ben H, to Ben with Max shooting straight at the keeper.
After a storming run and cross from Bryan, Goostrey broke up field and their quick speed caught out our back three, and another low shot went under Kai, to make it 1 - 2. As we were re grouping, Goostrey forced a corner, Tigers were well positioned in the box to defend, but you can't defend a 'fluke' as the Goostrey player crossed straight over Kai's head, into the net, to make it 3 - 1!
End of the second period, and we had been caught on the hop a bit, so we changed it again, with Matthew back on, Mark on, Bryan swapped with Kai and Alex joined Lol again at the back.
Betley regained some composure, but Goostrey were always a threat, Bryan having to pull off two great saves as our lads tired a bit playing in the new roles. However, it wasn't all over, Ben went close, Matthew chased hard and the defence held and tried to support, but the end came too quick and we couldn't get it back, final whistle, 3 - 1 to Goostrey Gunners.
A defeat, but a really good performance with new tactics from the team, lots of good things coming out of this, and no bad performances with everyone willing to try something new. Only our second defeat so far, so no panic buttons to be pressed.
Next week, its our favourite cup competition, where we want to go one better than last year, and win it this time! Its the Sharks from Goostrey this time, so lets see our teeth bigger than theirs! bring it on!
Thanks to our wonderful support on the sidelines, very much appreciated.
