This morning we were supposed to play AC Sportsman at Biddenham. However, with an 8am pitch inspection, then a further one at 9:45, it was agreed that it was unplayable.
This saw us go to Wixams and play Sportsman on their turf on thr 4G pitch. We started the game with the same formation as last week 4-3-3 of:
GK - Big Dave
RB - Jack CB - Shane CB - Joe LB - Alex
CM - Jason CM - Caino CM - Liam
RS - Danny ST - Tommy LS - Mads
The game started and although visibility was poor due to bad fog, we kept Sportsman at bay for 20 minutes. They took the lead through a shot that deflected off a Raptors player, and saw it beat Big Dave.
Then they went 2 ahead. Joe turning on the ball was in two minds what to do, and gave the ball away to the Sportsman striker, who put them 2-0 up.
Raptors heads in past weeks would have dropped, but after seeing the fight and performance last weekend, we again forgot we were losing and the lads put in a fantastic last 20 minutes.
Twice Danny was played out wide and twice he put the ball into a dangerous postion that saw Tommy bag twice. The second goal coming from a lovely ball out by Mads to Danny, and a pin point cross to T. 2-2 and we knew we had more.
After being provider twice, Danny then put Raptors ahead. A decent bit of play saw Jason square a ball across the face of goal, and Danny tap in. 3-2.
Half time
The second half started very well, as a penalty was awarded to Raptors for a push in the area. Tommy stepped up, and nestled it in the back of the net for his hatrick. 4-2.
Then in the space of 15 minutes, Sportsman had taken a 6-4 lead. A couple of errors from Big Dave saw the loose balls picked up and slotted home. The other a ball over the top, which was just onside, saw the striker finish it off to re-give Sportsman the lead. Had we knew what was to come, the flag wouldve gone up for an offside.
Raptors again didnt give up and faught back again. Jason causing the DF problems got the ball over the keeper,(as both Jason and the DF went for the ball) and tapped home to get the score to 7-5.
Then came what we have seen so many times against us this season. An oppostion club lino that didnt like the fact we were getting back in the game.
Two Raptors goals to bring to score to 7-7, both flagged for offside by the trigger happy lino. The second saw a square ball and Joe run onto the ball, and finish off in style. Shocking decison as the ref had already called a goal, only to be talked out of his decision.
This obvious cheating tactic, definitely got to Raptor players, and Sportsman were able to grab themselves an 8th.
Another weekend where the attitude of players on the pitch was spot on. Heads did not go down when 2-0 down. We showed great character to comeback and played great football for the second week. Yes we lost, and as frustrating as it is, we win together and we lose together as a team.
Lady luck again got the best of us, with the defelction, the ball given to them, a few spills that lead to tap ins and the dodgy lino. The score line does not reflect in my opinion how well everyone played, and I will never hold blame on anyone. We all have days we can make mistakes (we are human) and how we put them mistakes behind us and move forward makes us better.
Like Chris has posted, Dave was not happy with hiself today, but Big man, lets not forget that unbelievable save you made in the first half. Not just today, but throughout the season, you have made world class saves and kept us in many matches. Today was not your fault.
Man of the match was a difficult one today. Danny, who played an absolute brilliant game with 2 assists and a goal, just lost out to hatrick hero Tommy. The movement of Tommy, the never give up attitude, which saw him continue to press players, the hold up play, the winning of arieal balls, all put together gave him the honour.
Ratings
Dave 8 Jack 7.5 Shane 7.5 Joe 7.5 Alex 7.5 Jason 8.5 Caino 8.5 Liam 8 Mads 8 Danny 9.5 Tommy 10 Dean 7 Chris 8 Roger 6 ( not on long enough) Bandy 6 (not on long enough)
