The 50s Team put in another solid display against a strong side in Herne Bay but were narrowly beaten 2 - 1.
We started off the stronger side and slick passing and movement saw us finding space around the opposition. We created chances but the first few were thwarted by good defensive work or the shot going just wide. Our high press, however, was finally rewarded when John Ratcliff intercepted a Herne Bay throw and fed the ball inside to Gareth who sent a pile driver of a shot passed their keeper and into the bottom right hand corner.
We continued to press high but the opposition now were pushing hard to get back on terms but they were kept at bay but good defence of our own which forced them wide or only allowed speculative shots to be had from range. We were getting pinned down in our own half yet Brett was always an option as an out ball and his constant movement was keeping their defenders busy and honest. However, eventually their pressure was rewarded when a ball was played back to their midfielder who struck a rocket of a shot passed Jon's left hand and into the corner.
Within minutes they took lead. The ball was bobbling around and struck several legs before it unfortunately broke to their same player whose deflected shot ended up in our net.
We kept our heads and continued to play good football using our speed of pass and agility to get around them. But without further reward we went in a half time one goal behind.
We started the second half as we had finished the first, on the front foot and striving for the equaliser. Herne bay became more and more physical with any ball played up to Brett resulting in a foul as their defenders came through from behind. Their tactic appeared to be to break up the play whenever they could and the contact became more and more frequent. Our defence was strong despite several players being on the receiving end of some hefty challenges. These resulted in further breaks in play but at our end of the pitch and further from their goal.
We made changes and bought on fresh legs with both substitutes used. Our game play didn't change however, and nor did theirs with a further raft of free kicks being given away by them.
They were obviously struggling with our quick movement of the ball and appeared to have chosen to use broken play to prevent us working around them and getting shots away. Numerous free kicks were given but, despite them being in a dangerous area, broken play allowed them to get their defences prepared and prevented us getting clean shots away.
We were on top and seemed as though it would only be a matter of time before we scored but time was against us. We tried to play as fast as we could and keep the ball in play but we could not get through and they were just hanging on at the final whistle.
The performance given tonight was as strong as ever and showed a further improvement within this team and squad. Again Herne Bay narrowly beat us when it looked as though we at least deserved a draw.
My thanks for the efforts of all 9 players in what was a frustrating outcome on a bitterly cold night. Every man gave everything and there will bruises and lumps to prove it. There will be some tired people tonight and sore legs tomorrow but there were a lot of positives to be taken from this game. Our stamina, movement, our speed of pass and accuracy in shooting to name but a few as well as the desire to keep going and playing good football throughout could not be bettered.
We learned several things about game management by a frustrating opposition and there are a things that can be worked on in future training sessions.
My thanks also to Andy, Cedric and Eddie who also braved the cold and came and supported the team. Their vocal encouragement and proffered guidance gave the usual level of fantastic assistance and support from the side-lines.
Bring on the next game in what is going to be a busy few weeks.
Paul
