Hi Ladies / Gents
Please find below the Match Report for the 60s League Game played against Woodnesborough Bees at home on Sunday 19 Jan.
Fresh on the heals of the defeat by their other 60s team, we played Woodnesborough Bees at home looking to continue to build on the recent performances that showed how much we were improving.
We were on it from the very off and started to push Woodnesborough back immediately. We were moving the ball well and enjoyed the majority of the possession. Mike was controlling the midfield with Rob finding plenty of time and space wide on the right. We moved the ball well from back to front and Andy held the ball up well with Mike, Rob and Steve E joining from midfield.
We had a few speculative shots with Andy, Mike and Rob all shooting from range which unfortunately went wide or were easily saved by their keeper. Eventually, however, our high press and pressure paid dividends. A poor pass out from their keeper was picked up by Mike who played in Andy who buried his low shot beyond their keeper.
Woodnesborough were struggling to overcome our pressure and their limited possession often came from us giving the ball away cheaply. That said, we defended well and kept the pressure up, allowing them no time on the ball.
Our second goal came from another mistake by their goalkeeper. We maintained our high press and didn't allow them an easy ball out. The keeper tried to play the ball to their defender on their left which was intercepted by Rob who sent a low drive straight into the net.
We created further chances but unfortunately none were converted and we went in at half time 2 goals to the good.
There was little to say at half time. We were bossing the game and winning in all areas but we were giving the ball away cheaply. Additionally, we needed to tighten up on our discipline as we had given away a few contact free kicks but also 3 non walking ones.
We were strong at the start of the second half and came out as we had finished the first. We were having joy down our right with Rob but Woodnesborough were keeping Steve E quiet on our left. We maintained our pressure which forced Woodnesborough to change shape and setup but we were still able to break them down. We created chances but couldn't find a way through. As we tired they too had chances but Jan pulled off some good saves to keep us in it.
A change was made to bring on fresh legs and whilst we still created shooting opportunities, they had brought key players back into their defence and that stifled us.
Unfortunately, our indiscipline with not running cost us and we gave away the fourth offence with the subsequent penalty being given and converted, giving Woodnesborough a possible lifeline.
Rather than withdrawing, we continued to push for more goals but we didn't really get anything more than a half chance. That said, our defence was resolute and held off their attacks to long range chances which Jan dealt with when needed with aplomb. There was no more scoring and at the final whistle the victory was ours, 2 - 1.
This was again a better performance and further improved on the previous games with every one on the pitch contributed, so many thanks.
My thanks for Cedric and Steve P and Anthony who were an unused substitute.
The POTM was Andy Connellan.
Paul
