After our first defeat last week it was imperative that the boys got back to winning ways to have a chance of making the final.
In the whole of the leagues ours was the only game played and the pitch was in immaculate condition, this was remarked on by the referee and the opposing manager.
We started very much on the front foot, so much so that Flynn had a great opportunity to give us the lead inside the first minute but his lob over the onrushing keeper didnt have enough height and power and it was easily saved. We continued to dominate the game with Daniel, Thomas M and Thomas Dy back to their commanding best in defence, Ryan, Nathan and the Captain Thomas H dominating the midfield and Flynn was a constant threat with his runs in behind their defence. We created several chances but were unable to take them and better decision making in the final third could have resulted in more opportunities. The Bulls are a good team and the boys in defence had to be alert on the rare counter attacks they had, aDaaniel making as cvouple of very good savesd from shots from distance. As the half came to a close our boys were becoming increasingly frustrated at their inability to get their noses in front and this affected our normal free flowing passing game as we became intent on getting the ball forward at the earliest opportunity which suited our opponents. The half time score was 0-0.
The boys came over at the end of the half with their heads down, but we soon picked them up and told them they had to keep playing without panicking and pass and move their way to goal and then be more ruthless when we get the opportunities. The wind was at our backs and once we scored the first they would have to push forward which would give us more space to play. The boys were certainly up for it and seemed even more determined.
The second half began as the first had ended and we were in total control, but due to some excellent goalkeeping and defending we were unable to get that elusive first goal. Just when the boys were beginning to grow frustrated an excellent tackle by Thomas H followed by a superb through ball to Flynn who had found some space with his wonderful movement, who then rolled the ball under the advancing keeper to give us a 1-0 lead. The relief in our play was clear to see, we passed the ball wth more composure and the movement was a lot more evident. We should have had a penalty when Flynn pushed the ball around the defender who then tripped him, the referee, who had a very good game apart from this incident, didnt give it for some reason, much to the amazement of both sets of Managers/Coaches. With us being only one goal up we had to be alert at the back and in open play the three boys at the back were excellent and when they had a couple of long range shots and dead ball situations Daniel excelled himself with his confident handling and talking. The breathing space of a second goal came when after great movement from a throw-in Flynn broke free to again beat the advancing keeper to give us a 2-0 lead. This seemed to deflate the Bulls and we were now completely dominant and the boys found extra energy from their lead and created several opportunities so it was fitting that eventually after having several chances Thomas Da added the third goal after Ryan had read the goalkick out, controlled it and played a superb pass into his feet 15yds out and he cooly slipped it past the advancing keeper. 3-0 was the final score and put more of a reflection on the game itself. Both the referee and the Bulls management team were very complimentary of how we played and that we fully deserved our victory.
All the boys played a big part in our win with Max, Pearse and Thomas Da making vital contributions from the bench, the midfield three were back to their dominante best, Flynn's movement and general play was excellent and he could have had another 3 or 4 goals to go with his brace and the two defenders Thomas M and Thomas Dy were back to what is expected of them, playing on the front foot and competing and winning every ball. However, the Man of the Match for his superb professional display in shot stopping, positional play, distribution, talking and organising was Daniel.
Our next game is away at Broadheath Saturday 12th March kick off 9.30am. With us being the only team to play and win this weekend we have a 4 point lead at the top of the league but with us still tp play the unbeaten Wilmslow Town twice it is imperative we keep the pressure on by winning our other 2 remaining games next week and against Fletcher Moss.
