After two league games it was the 1st round of the Cup away at Thornes. At last we have competition for places and a squad of 14 keen and eager players to chose from. With Matthew away Sam started in nets, the same back three of Adam, Tom and Oliver, a midfield of Jack Whitaker, Toby and Andrew and up front we started with Nathan and Jack Hewitt. Lewis started as sub as did Michael Kiss, who was making his debut for Crofton Juniors.
Bizarre beginning to the game when the ref informed us before kick off that we wouldn't be playing offside! Is this what the FA say? We thought 9 a side meant off side - league matches so far have been. Charles Rice League need to sort the matter out as how are kids meant to develop and learn if one week to next the rules change?
Anyway we started quietly and through a lapse in concentration conceded a silly goal after 2 minutes. However, from then on in we bossed the game, played the better football and created more chances throughout the first and second halves. Tom marshalled the defence very well and his voice is growing in strength week on week. Adam was solid at right back, has a lovely composure on the ball and is rarely beaten in the tackle. Oliver had a confident game and his extra pace at the back helped us out with the lack of off sides.
Going forward we looked good, purposefull and committed. Jack Whitaker set off on many of his "trademark" runs and throughout his crossing and shots were better than the previous two weeks. Andrew is settling back into football really well after his time away and as the season progresses will be a real asset for us. Toby was Toby, mopping up between attack and defence and releasing the wingers and forwards with decent passing. Up front, Jack "Sherman tank" Hewitt was back, chasing through balls, being strong on the ball and getting in the odd shot (great to see you back Jack - it needs to continue). Nathan had another good game and ran well and with strength, that finish will come if he continues to believe and never gives up. Our subs played an important part today, Lewis was good and Michael learnt a lot from his first competitive game of football. Much to look forward to and improvements can be made. Well doen also to same who played in nets for the first half and to Andrew who did likewise in the second half; two good games from both.
The match - well we equalised on 24 minutes after a delightful back heel from Tom was latched onto by Toby and his shot sailed in the top corner of the net. The goal was created by great play and finished in style. We deserved to be level. On 55 minutes we fell behind to another break away goal. But one of the real positives from today was that we never gave up, kept battling and in the last minute a Jack Whitaker cross fell across the box to Jack Hewitt who turned and smashed the ball into the back of the net. Extra time beckoned!
In extra time we were just unlucky. Thornes went back in front on 68 minutes and a very dubious penalty was awarded and converted on 79 minutes. But we didn't give up and scored a consolidation goal through a fine run and shot by Jack Whitaker on 80 minutes.
We didn't deserve to loose today lads, you were ALL excellent and as Lance said, you've set a bench mark for the season ahead. We were playing a team in the leagu above us and I don't think there was anything to choose between us in the end. Proud of our effort, our football and our determination; keep it up.
Man of the Match went to Toby. Lance has been asking him to play a slightly different midfield role this year and today he did it superbly. Well done.
Onwards and upwards. See all at training on Wednesday night.
