Crozier’s Match Report...
Boots battled back from conceding two early goals against a quick and skilful Caythorpe to earn a hard-earned draw. It was a game that had many similarities to last year, as Caythorpe were first out of the traps and scored quick goals, including another own goal from Fletch (although I’m sure he will argue it was just a deflection!) and the ball seemed to spend more time in the stream than on the pitch! The only sad exclusion was a still-drunk Patto sporting his Halloween face paint from the night before!
Boots lined up in their XXXL kit with Phil in goal, a defence of Crozier, Fletch, Tugby and Horlicks, a midfield comprising Danny on the left, SuBo and Rowan in the middle, Ash on the right and then a front pairing of Ian and Dave Eite. After 5 minutes Boots were yet to really touch the ball, and Caythorpe opened the scoring when a cross was turned in by their striker. Within 10 minutes they had a second as Fletch deflected in a shot from the edge of the area.
Boots didn’t let their heads drop and slowly started to play more of their passing game, although the pitch was extremely narrow and very hard and bobbly, making it difficult to get it down and pass it. On around 15 minutes Boots won their first corner that was swung in and caused panic within the Caythorpe defence before just being cleared, but it was obvious that there were defensive frailties that could be exposed! A second corner followed soon after and Crozier again put it “in the mixer”, and with Fletch’s challenge causing more concern for Caythorpe, the ball fell to Ian to volley it in the net from 2 yards.
Boots couldn’t enjoy this reprieve for too long, as within minutes a long ball over the top caught the defence flat-footed and their striker (who scored the first) chipped Phil from a tight angle – a good finish. However Boots managed to get one back with 10 minutes to go when a Crozier long throw (it was a narrow pitch) was flicked on by Man of the Match Subo and Fletch volleyed in.
After a tactical change at half time with Pete coming on for Dave Eite, the second half started with both sides trying to capitalise on the perceived weakness of the opposition. Caythorpe had seen joy from balls over the top for their strikers to chase, and Boots had seen joy from set pieces. It meant lots of long balls from both teams, but the Boots defence improved in the second half by dropping deeper and with Phil also being quick off his line it reduced the gap between the two and limiting their chances. Chibbert came on for Ash and Griff replaced Danny and the half passed without major incident until about 15 minutes to go, when Chris broke following a great tackle and spread it wide with a beautiful toe-poke to Rowan. The shock of this beautiful ball through to Rowan on the left was enough to see him trip over his own feet when all he needed to do was control the ball to be through on goal, yet Fletch (no idea why he was up there) was following up and won a 50/50 with their defender, with the loose ball falling to Ian who calmly slotted it home.
With Caythorpe on the back-foot Boots continued to bombard them, and following a Chibbert throw on the right, Fletch leapt to head Boots in front with 10 minutes to go! Unfortunately Boots couldn’t hold onto their lead, and with about 6 minutes left their striker controlled the ball in the box and was able to turn. He went past three of the Boots defenders and slotted a shot into the net beyond the dive of Phil. Boots continued to press and had a few half chances following free kicks and corners, yet it wasn’t to be.
Overall it was a good point won, especially after going 2 down so early on. It was a difficult and narrow pitch which made it difficult for the wingers to play with width. Yet we learned and capitalised on their weaknesses and therefore ground out a good point Stoke style!
