Sports remain unbeaten in the new campaign 2 weeks in after securing a draw against St Johns. Sports really should have won the match after being 2-0 up and then winning again 3-2 with 8 minutes left but opponents St Johns never gave up and by the end of it probably deserved their point.
Sports welcomed back some absentees from week one who all joined the bench and a small shuffle round of players meant that the 11 available that played a part in the previous week all started. Notably a 1st start for James Barnes after impressing when coming on last week. Sports again were slow starting and struggled with some of the basics, following players while defending and then simple passing when in possession. Sports did however ride their luck early on and get away with a few warnings to go 2-0 up. The first goal was a solo effort from Alan Parkinson twisting and turning inside their box before firing home. The second came after Perry Brown flicked on a throw in for Parkinson to head home well into the far corner. He has informed us that this is Perry’s first assist. Sports conceded right before half time after a drilled corner caught everyone by surprise and Matt Bishop nearly shinned into his own net. The ball hitting probably 4/5 different people before a St Johns player poked home. Sports in front at half time 2-1 in a poor half.
Second half was marginally better but still way off usual standards. Rich Williams had come on just before half time for Barnes who had suspected broken thumb/wrist. (Been informed it is not broken and will be back in training Thursday). The play was still sloppy in possession but Sports had managed to reduce St John chances. Jamie Owens should have sealed the win on 3-4 occasions after being through 1 on 1 with the keeper but didn’t force a save on any occasion and defended well for them instead of slotting home J. St Johns equalised after Sports midfield were slow in closing their captain on the edge of the box and he hit a half volley that beat Kings in goal. With roughly 8 minutes remaining Sports thought they had won it when Rich Williams drilled in a low cross finding Bishop with a well timed run to finish off from penalty spot range. St Johns pilled on some late pressure and equalised again after a long throw in was headed home with seconds left to play. Justin Pugh made desperate attempts to clear off the line but couldn’t. There was just time for a half way line special before the whistle went for full time. 3-3 final score.
Sports can be disappointed not to be sat joint top of the league after 2 games but considering we usually lose 5 out of first 7 games it’s not a bad start for a newly promoted side and a difficult start to the fixtures.
After appeals for the manager to be less soft on after match talks and for scores to reflect performances, with the view that both should single people out in order for people to be realistic, the scores from this week will attempt to do so, regardless of time on the pitch.
