Wind and rain did not deter the bulldogs on what should have been another test for them, however it turned out to be just another walk in the park for the boys.
The team arrived ready and almost at full strength, only missing Tommy Renda through illness, however it was good to have back Ford and Freddie to brave the damp conditions.
Both teams started well with Liam securing an early goal on 3 minutes. A shaky period followed which saw a number of shots from us sale just wide, until the opponent's won a free kick a few yards out after will try to piggyback their striker, in an uncharacteristic yet comedy moment. Bury stroke home the free-kick with force past Aidan who had been great in the opening 5min.
With scores level just after 5 minutes the bulldogs Unleashed a soggy Force. With dampened kits but not dampened spirits Liam, Tyler, Tom and Will all managed to strike towards goal but to no avail. That was until Liam with a stroke of class first hit a thunder strike, then a minute later took the ball past 3 to strike home a third .
The Floodgates had opened (pun intended) and with an own goal taking us to 4-1 up at the break, Bulldogs looked dangerous.
Returning goal threats Ford and Freddie came on after 15 minutes and it wasn't long before they linked up. But first Ford provided Liam with a tap in from a well delivered corner. He then provided Freddie with an easy tap in for goal number 6, before setting up yet another for William from another corner. The question on everyone's mind was when was he going to get his goal?
After hitting the post from a good pass from Liam, Ford turned on the style. His first coming from a neat pass from Liam which he gladly slotted past the keeper. He was then sent through by Freddie who returned Ford's earlier set up to see the newest recruit bang in a second. Then arguably his best came just two minutes later, with a thunderous strike from range on 28 minutes as we went in for the second break absolutely cruising!
The rain and cold began to take its toll on the lads. The opposition didn't look up for it after 20 min and it wasn't long before Aidan had to come off as the poor lad had stood there for half hour with not much to do. With nobody to go in net with Tommy being absent, Coach Pete nominated Liam who layered up and took one for the team. Tyler and Tom came back on for Will and Aidan and the scoring continued.
Freddie turned provider again first slotting Tom through who tapped just wide, then tackling and passing to Tyler who tapped in from 3 yards to earn a well deserved reward. Clearly not one to miss out on the glut of goals, Freddie was hungry for more on his return, and the F&F partnership was on fire again as Ford set Freddie up for two more goals in quick succession. He wasn't done there though, a good tackle by Tom saw the ball fall to Freddie and he smashed it at the keeper, the rain, tiredness and a little bit of luck carried it through the goalies legs and over the line for number 14.
The team is getting better and closer week on week. The friendships and partnerships forming are a joy to see and when Freddie was taken down in the box, he unselfishly allowed Tom to take the penalty who absolutely smashed it top corner to get his goal!
The game was over by 10 minutes in, but the passion, teamwork and drive the lads showed under grim conditions was admirable and I personally am very proud. It was time to shut up shop and just before the referee blew his mercy whistle, Freddie had one last goal in him, a great solo effort which rounded off another emphatic win.
With tougher matches surely to come, the boys are looking very strong. Hopefully they dry out and stay grounded for our next fixture as we go again! UP THE BULLDOGS
