Fielding a strong team, Crossblades faced 'new team', PSC Galaxy in the first match of the 2011-12 season.
Despite standing up at the AGM in June and stating that they were infact a new side, with only one player from Premier league side Potterne, PSC Galaxy fielded a side containing most players from last years Potterne line-up. Crossblades always knew this fixture would be difficult, but rised up against the tryanny and dishonesty and produced a performance that was better than the scoreline suggested.
PSC Galaxy were always in control of this match, playing with pace and skill in all positions, they sprayed the ball arond at will with Crossblades chasing shadows much of the time. Showing an improvement from last season, Crossblades kept their positions and man marked much more effectivley. It was only the movement and pace that enabled PSC Galaxy to breakdown the defence on many occasions. Crossblades were under immense pressure in the first half and did not produce one shot on goal, despite a 45 yard half volley attempt by Adam Webb. With player Manager Jimmy Squire not fully fit and new striker Carl Jacobi unavailable, Crossblades defended for most of the first half with no real outlet to relieve the pressure. Liam Matthews was once again outstanding and Jack Lowe commanding in the air. John Hampshire again proved he is an excellent shot stopper, keeping the PSC Galaxy strikers at bay on numerous occassions.
Eventually the pressure was too much and the ball was turned in to his own net by Pete North. Pete had no choice having received the ball at his feet in the middle of the goal on the line. Pete added a second own goal while valiantly jumping with an attacker to head the ball clear. PSC Galaxy added 2 more times during the first half and went in 4-0 at the break.
Jimmy Squire replaced Rob Eardley at half time, and with a shift in positions, Crossblades started with greater purpose. With Will Wright playing furthest forward and Tim Chilton just behind, in enabled some brief relief from the pressure and a couple of half chances were created.
Carl Gilbert was introduced on 63 minutes, but suffered a minor injury shortly afterwards. Still, Carl managed to make some good runs despite a slight leg pull, and we look forward to pairing him with Jacobi in the forthcoming fixture. Hampshire continued to be a strong presence in goal, thwarting Galaxy many times and thus being awarded the Crossblades Man of the Match award.
Scoring a further 3 goals, PSC Galaxy ran out 7-0 winners, and while they may feel it could have been more, Crossblades aided their victory by scoring a total of 3 own goals, 2 by Pete North and 1 by Liam Matthews.
Crossblades should not be down hearted by this loss, games will not come tougher than this fixture and the future is much brighter than the scoreline suggests. With no bad individual performances and some luck in 4 of the goals scored by the opposition there are positives to take from this. Jack and Liam's partnership at centre back is proving to be very strong and despite Pete's 2 own goals he put in a solid defensive display with moments of attacking prowess also. Rob is making the transition from centre back to right back and is proving that he will be able to fulfill this role for the team well. Will is now starting to listen to instructions, and is full of running on the wing while seemingly being able to get back and fight to win the ball when required. Ash has proved to be a good signing, both as a defensive and attacking player, we will miss him for next weeks game. Adam Webb and Carl are both strong players on the ball, both of them missed much of pre-season, but slotted in well despite this. Carl will be starting next week after missing the previous few matches and his partnership with Jacobi is very promising.
Next weeks game is the local derby game between Crossblades and the Cavalier, sure to be feisty Crossblades will be hoping to put in a strong performance in a game that we have the potential to get a result!
