This was the league opener for the new look 50s with some new players joining the squad and some that have left to play elsewhere.
The game started as a very cagey affair. Both teams were feeling their way into the game with some swift passing seen by both teams but neither goalkeeper being troubled in the initial stages.
Woodnesborough made the first real chance on goal and a shot from their left was well saved by Steve who pushed the ball to safety removing the chance of a rebound with Brett poised on the edge of our box.
We were getting plenty of possession and Jason was able to pull strings from our midfield. We came more and more into the game and good interaction down our right with Linden, Phil and Jason found the ball with G who let fly with a vicious shot that cannoned back from the upright with Jon in the Woodnesborough goal beaten.
Both teams continued to create opportunities but neither goalkeeper was really called upon to make saves with most of the shots coming from distance. With the first half drawing to a close, Woodnesbrough broke down their right and Brett found space at the edge of our box. Andy B tried to get back to make the block but he caught the back of Brett and prevented him getting his shot away. The referee had no choice as this was a clear DOGSO situation Andy was shown a blue card and a penalty awarded. This was despatched low to Steve's right.
We finished the half one player down but there with only a minute left there was no other chances created before half time.
We started the second half short handed but managed the ball well and saw off the remaining period of Andy's card without incident. Woodnesborough were now on the front foot however, and they were attacking down both flanks. A shot came in from their left and Steve managed to parry the first shot, it fell to another opposition player and Steve again pulled off a great save via the post but the ball broke again to Woodnesborough and Brett lifted the ball over Steve to double their lead.
This was soon made 3 Nil when a fortuitous shot was stopped by Steve. It fell to another Woodnesbough player and again Steve saved but the ball bounced back off the post and hit Steve before dribbling over the line.
Rather than our heads dropping we were galvanised into action. Fresh legs were introduced and a change of formation, saw Gareth push further forward. We were now forcing Woodnesborough back and they were suffering from running offences. We continued to interact well and the ball was being fizzed around and the opposition were soon caught running for a fourth time. Gareth promptly despatched the penalty hard and low and we were back in the game.
We were gifted a second penalty shortly afterwards when a Woodnesborough defender strayed into his own area and this time Gareth went high and right but with the same result and we were certainly finishing the stronger of the two teams.
Unfortunately, time was against us and despite our best efforts we could not find the equaliser that we probably deserved and the game finished a close run thing but a 2 - 3 loss.
My thanks to the 9 players that made it to the pitch and gave their all. This was a fantastic game played in good spirit and drew the very best from every player on the pitch.
My special thanks, as ever, to Andy C for turning up but being an unused substitute. Also, thank you to Ian M and the friends and families of the players that came to support the team.
The Player of the Match was Gareth for his two goals and commanding presence in all areas of the pitch.
