As Spencer has obviously been too busy lecturing to do a match report this week, I’ll have a crack at it...
After four weeks without a game a decent Boots squad were shocked by what appeared to be a flat pitch and a lack of mud / snow.
Starting 11 was – Neal H; Phil, Chris F, Paul A, Rob B; Rob C, Pete, Kieran, Rich S; Bally, Luke. Spence, Rowan and Dave made up the bench and Crouchy was on cheerleading duties. Hopes of achieving the double over Medics were boosted by them having no subs and our height dominance in defence. Factors against us included Pete being distracted by the netball game going on next to the pitch.
Boots started well and looked the better team, creating a few chances without getting the breakthrough, including Bally crossing for a Rob C header which was well saved. But after about 15 minutes the game plan was torn to shreds when Rich S became the latest member of the “Boots Wednesday sprained ankle club”. While we played on with 10 men as the injury was assessed by our medical team, the opposition very sportingly refused to take advantage of the extra man and instead sent their striker back to the pavilion for a boot change. Rowan came on to take up the right midfield position.
The Medics got into the game and took the lead after a loose backpass on about 30 minutes. About 10 minutes later the lead was doubled after a good counter attack – but Boots were guilty of allowing them too much time and space.
In the second half Boots played much better and always looked likely to get back in the game. Early on Luke crossed low for Bally whose left foot shot was fired wide. The best chance always looked to be from a set piece with a number of Boots players towering over the tiny Medics - Chris F had a couple of good chances from corners that went close, and it was 3rd time lucky as he headed in from Pete’s corner.
Spencer came on for Kieran, into central defence with Paul A pushing into midfield – looking thrilled at the prospect of all that box-to-box running! Also Phil and Rob C swapped roles on the left to cope with their pacy right winger. Pete Allaway had a couple of decent shots from distance, and later after beating a couple of players was obviously tripped on the edge of the area – obvious to everyone apart from the ref.
The equaliser came from another set piece – a free kick from the left. In a crowded penalty area the ball fell to Bally’s feet who was composed enough to find a bit of space and fire a low shot to the left corner which crept in under the keepers hands.
Boots didn’t have it all their own way and Rob C cleared off the line late on. Boots kept pressing but were unable to get the winner. The last chance was from another free kick -the ball bounced off the back of Phils head to Bally whose volleyed effort across goal was just wide.
Overall a draw was probably fair - we never deserved to lose, but our first half performance was way below what we are capable of.
Bally.
