Not sure where to start with this report. Were we undone by the weather, illness, half time injury or just a slightly better team?
Anyway, it was good to start at HOME for the first time this season against the league leaders, Worsborough Common. We had a settled team of Matthew in nets, Adam, Tom and Charlie in defence, Jack Whitaker, Toby and Andrew in midfield, with Jack Hewitt and Oliver starting up front. Lewis was our sub.
We started cautiously but brightly, looking to attack when and where possible and play our passing game. Jack Whitaker and Andrew caused our opponents problems at the back with some strong, direct running. Jack Hewitt and Oliver pressurised the Worsborough defence, never letting them settle and looking to force mistakes. It was from this early pressure that a cross from Andrew fell to Oliver whose low shot beat the keeper, making it 1-0 after 2 minutes.
From our early goal we pressed on looking for a second but our final pass or shot let us down too often. And on five minutes we got caught with a ball over the top that the Worsborough striker ran on to, beating Matthew.
The rest of the half was a very close affair. Neither side took full control of the game, both having chances, forcing corners but couldn’t find the net. Crofton hit the bar and post on 29 and 30 minutes, the first chance coming off the underside of the bar but falling just the wrong side of the line from our perspective. Two good chances from good football which was pleasing.
Unfortunately at half time we had to change goalkeeper as Matthew went off having hurt his knee. Andrew played in nets, Lewis came on to partner Jack Hewitt in attack and Oliver switched to left midfield.
We played well at times in the second half but never created a clear cut chance. On occasions we wanted to take that extra step, when an earlier shot could have been the better option.
We began to look vulnerable to the ball over the top or down the flanks and within the last five minutes conceded two sloppy goals.
What I must say is well done to all. You never stopped trying and some of the passing at times was excellent. We are moving in the right direction. Hats off to Oliver for lasting a full 60 minutes and well done Lewis for a solid game. Adam, Tom and Charlie’s defensive partnership will only grow stronger. Our midfield trio of Toby, Jack Whitaker and Andrew will give anyone a run for their money. And up front…..Jack Hewitt….just keeping plugging away, the chances will come.
Man of the Match went to Tom. He’s marshalling our defence well; learning quickly and still plays some superb balls out of defence to start our attacks going.
Keep it up lads.
