As Spring blossomed in the vale of Trent, Boots didn’t do themselves any favours with a lacklustre performance against fellow mid-table rivals Plumtree. Despite a positive mood and some constructive advice from Spence before the game, it was the opposition who were more aggressive and hungry for the ball from the first whistle, and Boots quickly surrendered possession to concede within the opening 5 minutes. Wednesday couldn’t seem to keep hold of the ball in midfield and mount any threatening attacks, with free-kicks from Pete and Neil coming closest. Plumtree added a second when their big striker was allowed too much time on the ball, and he crossed to the back post for an unmarked header. Finally Boots began to keep the ball down, and Bally played in Kieran from the edge of the area. He rounded the keeper but saw his shot blocked on the line by the arm/shoulder of the straining defender. Unfortunately Referee Rowan didn’t see enough of the contact to award a penalty, and Boots were awarded a corner which came to nought.
As the second half progressed, Rowan came on for the injured Toobs and Adam replaced Fletch, but Plumtree managed to add a third when a cross from the left was scrambled into the net. Finally Boots began to pass the ball around as Plumtree began to sit on their lead and created a few chances. Patto replaced Chibbert on the right, before Boots conceded a penalty, Tank chopping their striker in half (or at least you would’ve thought this was what had happened upon hearing the howl he made!) Man of the Match Neil Healy produced a smart save to his right to deny the penalty-taker, and the rebound was shanked wide. Boots had time for a few half chances before the final whistle – Bally shooting wide from a Patto through-ball and also a well-worked Rowan cross, and Patto missing out by inches to an incisive Rowan pass as the keeper punched clear.
Overall it was one of the worst performances of the season, and it just goes to show how much confidence and stamina we have lost during the snowy January/February period. There is still time to stamp our mark on this league, with extremely winnable games against Beeston and Trent Vale to come, as well as a potentially close game to Punjab Colts next week, and a double-header against the unknown Kinoulton Villa (who we beat 3-0 two seasons ago). We just need to keep our heads together, and concentrate on working for each other while ultimately producing the performances that our manager deserves!
