Boots got off to the worst possible start against Notts Medics A by conceding within the first 30 seconds, but rallied to produce a competitive but ultimately fruitless performance against an energetic and composed opposition. After Medics had taken a soft lead with a simple unchallenged run and shot from the left that eluded Phil at his near post, Wednesday slowly got back into the game, with the wings being the main areas of play. Rowan, backed up by Crozier, and Chibbert, assisted by Man of the Match Hawrylak, saw the majority of the ball in the first half, as they tried link up with Dave and Patto up front and SuBo and Simon in the centre on an incredibly stodgy and draining pitch. Boots threatened on several occasions as Patto attempted to flick on or play the ball through to Dave and Rowan, while SuBo saw a well-worked long range shot drift wide of the mark. The best chance of the half for Boots came from a Crozier free-kick, with a Medics defender having to knee-volley the ball back to his keeper under pressure from Fletch (but apparently it wasn’t a pass-back). After a player had been treated for a head wound (Pete “Florence Nightingale” Allaway would’ve had a field-day if he’d been there!), Medics extended their lead when a fortunate run and series of cross-field passes from their right eventually ended with a simple finish past Phil from their striker.
With a slight downhill and breeze in their favour, Boots put the Medics defence under increased pressure in the second half as they attempted to fight back. Patto saw a left-footed shot blaze wide after a lovely run from Crozier, Dave was released down the left but he couldn’t quite lift the ball over the keeper, before Rowan and Dave both had direct free-kicks smothered by the keeper. SuBo and Simon fought well in the centre, and Rowan and Chibbert continued to offer an outlet on the wings, with Chibbert and SuBo both whipping in dangerous crosses, and Rowan producing several penetrating runs although he couldn’t find the final ball or shot for the Boots forwards to pounce on. Dean, Martin and Bally all came on (from a strong bench) to offer fresh legs, and both Bally and Dean proved a nuisance while Martin showed composure at the back to aid Brett, Fletch and Hawrylak who marshalled everything well, although Medics did get a third break-away goal (for their forward’s hat-trick) towards the end.
Overall it was an encouraging performance, and everyone remained positive and supportive throughout the game, despite the terrible start – just shows that we need to concentrate from the first whistle!
