The un-washed kit wasn't the best pre-match news but it could have been worse. The kit may have matched our performance which wasn't the best one we've put out. Be good to play Quebec again though, now we know a bit more about them. That is to come in March, second from last game of the season with Sprowston being the finale at home. A lot more football to come till then though and we'll beat most teams playing as we did yesterday, just that Quebec were quite good.
We started with Richard A in goal, Simon RB, Jim Dale and Mark CB, Ben LB, in front were Finchy and Scott. Shane wide left, Karl in the middle, Matt Cawston on the right and Roger up front. 4-2-3-1. Ginge, Danny, Matt W, Bruce on the bench. Young ref. Perfect conditions, no wind, overcast and a soft pitch.
This 'match report' will be the view from the left back position so apologises to those up front or on the other side, my eyesight is getting worse daily. Special mention for their number 7. Blimey, his movement off the ball was good and he was very quick. As I said to Karl after all I could do was shout at him as I had trouble getting anywhere near him. Thank goodness his hamstring caused him a problem and he went off after 20 mins or so. By this stage the blues had gone 1 up. Seemed to come from my side initially and I recall the number 7 heading into the path of Pitcher who arrowed one top corner past Richard, no chance. We had some moments. I remember Shane taking on and beating the rb a few times. Roger caused their cbs problems for the full 90, I don't think they particularly enjoyed this. Mark worked the back four into using an effective offside trap, Jim Dale made some excellent well timed goal saving challenges. In the middle Scott, Karl and Finchy showed good quality. We forced a few corners and probably edged the corner count overall, maybe.
Matt W came on for Shane and Bruce for Finchy. Bit later Mark went off with Simon moving inside and Ginge going rb. Later still Matt C made way for Danny on the right. We seemed to put them under a bit more pressure in the second half, although the useful Gannon in their middle kept prompting their attacks. I'm still trying to get their rm onto his left Simon. Think I managed this about once in the second half. Thankfully his right foot cosses were dealt with by Richard and the defence or went behind. Richard made a good stop from a low Gannon drive from outside the box and a couple of other good stops. Matt W kept and used the ball well second half. Roger went close, just over, after winning the ball from a defender and a deflected effort again went just over after Roger forced the keeper into a hurried clearance.
The ref went through a stage in the second half were every decision went in Quebec's favour for about 15 minutes. I'm struggling to remember what else happened in the second half and it was only two days ago. Too early to say concentrate on the cup just yet but we'll need some big wins to have a chance for the title. Looking forward to putting on a clean kit next time, luxury.
