On a glorious Spring morning, Boots were less than glorious against title-chasing Plumtree, who were superior in every area of the field. After a fairly even opening, Plumtree began to exert their physical strength, competitiveness and better touch to exploit the Boots defence, and after opening the scoring with a precise header, gradually extended their lead to 4-0 at half time as their big forward and quick winger caused havoc in the Boots defence. Although Boots had several brief passages of composed passing, errant touches and hopeful punts inevitably ended any encouraging moves, and heads slowly began to drop as Plumtree’s tight marking and crisp passing offered Simon and Sicky little to plunder. Nevertheless, Boots did force the Plumtree keeper to make two excellent saves, the first from his own defender who powerfully headed Ian’s cross from the right towards the bottom corner, while Sicky’s volley from 10 yards was expertly tipped onto the bar. Confusion in the Plumtree defence also allowed Ian a one-on-one chance, but his early shot from 30 yards drifted wide, while Rowan and Dave Eite had chances in the area that were blocked or fired wide.
Although Boots looked a little more stabile at the start of the second half, they still struggled to create chances and Plumtree inevitably extended their lead after a scramble in the box. Patto, Griff and Howard came on from the bench, but Boots still couldn’t find a consolation goal although they did come close. Howard smashed the bar after great work from Rowan down the right, with Crozier’s close-range shot blocked on the line, while Griff ‘s direct corner was tipped onto the bar by the keeper. Rowan and Crozier also worked a short corner, which saw Hulk’s goal-bound cross/shot blocked once again. Plumtree hit on the break twice to complete the scoreline, with Boots guilty of forcing play, misplacing passes and leaving themselves open to balls over the top as Brett and Fletch were left a little exposed.
Hawrylak picked up Man of the Match for another consistent display, but overall the team performance wasn’t what we have expected in recent weeks, and as negativity crept into our game once again, Plumtree rightfully took home all the points.
