Maybe it was the month without a fixture, maybe it was the the new years resolutions but there was definitely a bit of extra enthusiasm in the changing room this morning. This could have had something to do with the 17 players we had present (this must be a record for this Croygas side!).
With selection difficult, Croygas were sent out with a 4-3-1-2 formation with Aiden in goal, a back four of Sam, Dave B, Reeno & Adam. A midfield 3 of Rambo, Jim & Matt with Zib playing just in behind Reiss and Ross S (returning after a lengthy lay off due to surgery). The extensive bench included Ach, Brad, Ken, Jordan, Sailor and Pete.
The game got off to a slow start with both sides feeling their way into the game. Croygas we looking solid in their formation although carrying minimal threat going forward, Endeavour exploiting the space out wide without ever really threatening Aiden's goal.
Something was needed to spark this game in to life and this came from a determined burst from left back Adam who managed to find his way into the oppositions box drew the tackle from the defender to earn a penalty. Reeno stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-0 to Croygas.
This seemed to spark Endeavour into life, they continue to press hard and eventually sprung the offside trap (despite Reeno's & Sam's protestations the striker was onside) and curled the ball past Aiden to make it 1-1.
All square at half time and a quick re-shuffle into a 4-4-2. The second half was more open with Aiden making a couple of good saves and Croygas springing a couple of opportunities themselves, most noticeably Burgess nearly scoring his first goal for the club and Zib putting a long range effort over just over the bar.
Substitutes used during the game were Brad on for Jim (who had made some unusual sounds following a heavy fall!) and Pete on for Reiss.
By the time Sam's old man had seen enough and blew for full time the score remained 1-1, which was a fair reflection on the game itself. The application and on pitch organisation could not be faulted today, some of the usual quality was not quite there and that will hopefully return over the next couple of weeks.
Onto next week and the trip over/through the hedge to play AFC Rio.
Just want to finish the report with a respectful nod of the head to the players that didn't get on today. We know its not nice but your attitude given the situation is appreciated and make sure you are ready for next week!
Player Ratings
Aiden - No chance with the goal. Couple of good saves - 7
Sam - Beaten a few times down the sides but some important interventions - 7
Dave B - They couldn't get passed him! - 7.5
Reeno - Composed penalty, consistent performance - 7.5
Adam - Excellent game. Assist with the penalty - 8.
Jim - Solid. Gets an extra .2 for the girly screams providing some humour. 7.2
Rambo - See above but minus the girly scream! - 7
Matt - Everywhere and MOM/ Unreal triple tackle on the half way line - 8.5
Zib - Battled hard, nearly scored the winner - 7
Reiss & Ross - Worked about, feeling their ways back in - 7
Subs
Brad - Gave us all a heart attack with the last min back pass! - 6.5
Pete - Fitted in seamlessly - 6.5
