After our heaviest defeat of the season so far last week, it was important to keep our calm and regain composure today, and try to return to that winning habit.
No sign of Kai, our goalkeeper today? so Bryan again deputised in goal for the first period, Arron was away, so that left 9 in the squad, with Mark and Ben H starting today on the side. Bryan in goal, Lol and Alex at the back, Matt, Ben and Max in the middle and Sam up front.
The game began differently to all the others so far this season, Betley didn't concede anything after two minutes! a good start, which saw plenty of midfield activity but no telling play.
In the third minute, Sam played in Ben, forcing a corner, then Sam again fed Max who made the Ruskin keeper make a save for a corner, followed closely by two more. Very positive, and most of the play now was in the Ruskin last third, with Bryan at the other end a spectator, towards the end of the first period Max played in Ben who shot just wide. Alex and Lol looked confident at the back, with Alex doing some ballet exercises at times on the ball, but passing well. Both Wingers were also assisting this week in helping out the middle, Matt and Max tracking back well. The first period ended 0 - 0.
Changes were made at the first break, Bryan came out of goal to play on the right with Max going in nets. Mark replaced Lol and Ben H came on for Matt. we kicked off again with the same tempo which saw Bryan put a good cross in for Sam to shot just wide. Bryan then shot over the bar with a fierce drive, Betley were pressing hard now. Following another Bryan run, resulting in a corner, tigers scored! A good ball in from Ben found Sam in the area who unselfishly flicked the ball on to Bryan who, at close range, buried the ball into the net, 1 - 0 Betley!
Tails were up, and a great pass across field by Bryan to Ben H saw another corner arrive, with Ben now going just wide, Bryan was putting telling crosses in and Betley were dominant, but 1 - 0 is never safe, and Mark ensured no break outs by Ruskin caused any problems. The second period ended with Tigers one up.
Third period, and a couple more changes, Ben went in goal for a period, Matt came on for Sam and Lol for Alex, who again, had another consistent game following last week.
Matthew hit a shot direct at the keeper, and again had another after good work and cross by Bryan, who was getting up and down and causing Ruskin plenty of issues. Bryan fed Max, who forced a good save from the keeper, were we going to get another to seal the game? we needed it as Ruskin threw caution to the wind and launched an assault by shooting just wide on a quick break away, and for two minutes Betley had to concentrate totally and defend, with Lol being Mr consistent again.
Tigers tried hard to close the game out, Bryan crossing for Max who again, made the keeper save and then Bryan to Ben H, whose shot just lacked a little power.
But there was to be no more drama or faint hearts, as the game ended with a narrow, but convincing 1- 0 victory, an ideal tonic to replace last weeks result. A good team performance for all, and this week being the school holiday week, seven days off for a little rest! . Next Sunday we play the same opposition again, so lets keep this performance in mind, and carry on where we leave off today!
Many thanks yet again to the faithful support, at times it becomes our 8th man and is so appreciated, till next week then!
regards
Lyndon
