Oh well what a great way to light up a damp and misearble November morning, with a local derby victory at Nostell!!
Our squad for the morning saw Matthew (yes, that's TV star Matthew) in nets, Tom & Sam in defence, Oliver, Jack W and Toby in midfield and Jack H up front. Thomas Compton started as sub.
Well done to all for observing a minutes silence before the game; a credit to both clubs.
We'd told the lads to expect a tough challenge and so it turned out. It was a super game of football, with school friendships put a side for forty minutes!!
After a couple of "early" words we settled to the task in hand, being committed and battling for every ball. Good to see boys.....you faced a challenge head on and came out winners.
A tight first half, which we shaded in terms of corners and chances created. Tom and Sam coped admirably with the Nostell striker and Oliver, Jack W (who started to run more and more at the home defence as the half developed) and Toby played well in midfield. Jack H used his strength well up front and could have made a little more of the chances that came his way or to his credit he created; we'll work on that right foot Jack!!
For the record we hit the post twice in the 1st half - Jack W and Jack H!!
Where do Jack W and Toby get their energy from? Answers on a postcard please. Tireless running from both helps the whole team so very, very much - well done both.
Thomas came on for Oliver mid way through the first half and continued his recent run of good form.
However, at half time it remained 0-0 and the boys realised it was going to be a tough 2nd half but one we and they believed they could win.
We started well in the 2nd half, creating chances and forcing numerous corners. It was from one of these corners that our goal finally came and our pressure paid off. The home defence failed to clear a corner and in amongst the scrammble, Oliver's shot crept over the line: 1-0 up!
Nostell came back at us strongly and Sam and Tom continued to play well. Good concentration from both and some great clearances kept Nostell at bay. Jack W and Toby continued to run at the home defence and then doubled up to help the defence out when Nostell broke down the left wing. Great spirit and team work boys.
I must mention Matthew - it was a super game to watch and it was close but in forty minutes, Matthew touched the ball 3/ 4 times. Credit to the team again for protecting our goal.
We played the last couple of minutes in the Nostell penalty area, forcing a number of corners. Best form of defence......attack!!
Well done to all 8 lads who played today.....we learnt more today than we have in previous weeks. Our football continues to come on BUT we wanted that today, we battled for each other and you believed. Chuffed for the lot of you.
MOM again was a hard choice as we played as a team but for his tireless running and tackling.....MOM was Jack W.
See you next Saturday.
