Today's game was a local derby that in the past has always turned out to be a tight game. However with two games against Lyne and two defeats we were well due a result against them.
The game started quite slowly with both teams trying to get up to speed with the other. We seemed to get into our stride a bit quicker than Lyne and took control of the game. The battle in the middle of the park was being edged by James, Harvey and Lucas, and with Harrison causing their defence all sorts of problems I felt it wouldn't be long before we scored. Our first goal came from a superbly struck free kick from Harvey but the move that led to it was even better.
A well timed tackle by Adam was latched upon by Harvey who beat two players and fed the ball to Lucas. Lucas's superbly timed pass led Harrison and after beating one defender was crudely fouled on the edge if the box. A wonderful move that deserved a goal. Harvey stepped up with the free kick and beckam like curled the ball into the top left corner. Great end to a great move. The goal gave us the confidence to step up our game. We passed the ball superbly and when Lyne did break Adam and Tyler snuffed out their attacks with well times tackles and some powerful defending. We then doubled our lead. Another quick attack ended with a corner, Harvey again delivered a perfect corner, leading to a Lyne defender palming the ball away when it would have ended up nestling in the far corner. He stepped up and rifled the penalty powerfully into the top right corner. A 2-0 lead was at least what we deserved.
In fairness Lyne stepped their game up in the second half and really brought their A game to us. This only spurred on our boys and although we didn't have the possession or chances of the first half, our work rate and determination to defend our lead was superb. Our defensive play was outstanding. Adam and Tyler were amazing and they were helped wonderfully by a tireless midfield. The only two scare we had were superbly saved by max. Firstly bravely diving at the forwards feet when he was through and secondly a superb double save. Fantastic. Lyne never gave up and we had to dig deep to keep our clean sheet it tact but eventually we got the job done.
The boys were superb today with a few stand out performances. Again their work rate was exceptional and our first half display was as good as we have played this season. I am so pleased for them. They have made my weekend!!
Max. Two amazing saves. Fills the whole team with confidence when he is between the sticks.
Tyler. Another superb game. Probably our most consistent player who produces week in week out. A managers dream.
Adam. Incredible game. Powerful in defence and attack. Had the Lyne forwards in his pocket. Superb.
Lucas. Great game. Passed the ball superbly and worked his socks off. Also worked superbly when defending.
Harvey. Outstanding game. The opposition could not get near today. Ran the game in midfield and capped a superb game with two outstanding goals.
James. Was asked to play as a defensive midfielder and stuck to his job superbly. Broke up a lot if Lyne attacks.
Alex. Great game. Ran his socks off in middle if and put in a superb goal saving tackle in the second half. Getting better with every game.
Harrison. Outstanding game. Ran their defence ragged. At times they couldn't get near him. Superb skills and dribbling. Also defended from the front when needed.
Caleb. Worked well when he came on and helped out well in defence.
Myself and Dave were very please with today. The two halves hopefully showed what our boys are all about. Superb attacking play in the first and resolute defending in the second.
We couldn't split man of the match today between Harvey and Harrison. Both were outstanding. Well done boys.
