How do I describe a game a like this, well let me try.
Engine started with a 442 formation and I asked that we kept it tight for the first 10-15 minutes which we suceeded in doing, albeit we conceded a few corners but defensively we coped well against Stockton's quick forward. As the half went on Engine got into the game and started to dominate possession and the only threat Stockton posed was the long ball trying to get their forward to chase the ball in behind our defence. Lee Burbury palying at left back was outstanding winning headers and tackling strongly, Gaz and Allan were winning all the ballls pumped forward. Stu Williamson and Jim Provett were playing quite deep but we looked solid without creating too much up front.
Second half - what a disasterous start two minutes in and we lost possession in the middle of the park our defence was split and their pacy forward finished well. Stockton's 2nd and 3rd goals were again of our own making by losing possession in the middle of the park and their quick forward capitalising on our errors. Roswell made a couple of brilliant stops when Stockton looked like they would really hit us for a cricket score but then the fight back started. Jim Provett smashed a great free kick from 25 yards which the keeper did well to save but Stu Williamson reacted quickest and put us back in the game. With 15 minutes remaining Gaz Wall headed a ball into the box their keeper, Jim Bye and centre half went for the ball, somehow the ball appeared to hit Jim on the shoulder and landed in the net with Jim appealing for a pen. Engine now well and truely had their mojo back and looked most likely to score again. However, Stockton broke and we conceded a free kick about 25 yards out which was dispatched into the top corner. 4-2 down with 8 minutes left.
Allan came off and I came on we went 3 at the back and within a minute we had got back to 4-3. We won a corner from the right the ball broke to Idi on the edge of the box and he smashed it into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance. Unbelievable Jeff! Within a minute we conceded a corner which was going out for a goal kick until Lee Burbury made unluckily contact with the ball and gifted Stockton a fifth. Engine kept their heads up and went straight on the attackand won another corner Stockton failed to clear and Stu Williamson again reacted first in the six yard bx and the game was now 5-4 with two minutes left. Stockton restarted the game and we conceded a free kick on about half way which Stockton pumped forward they got a flick on and their forward volleyed into the top corner from the edge of the box, it was a good strike but I bet if he tried that another 100 times he wouldn't score it.
I believe that we can take positives from this, our heads didn't drop today despite being 3 down, we scored 3 good goals and one fluke. On a negative point we got 3 yellow cards today all for dissent and Ash was lucky to stay on at the end, I know we get frustated with referees but gobbing off at them gets us know where apart from £10 quid lighter in the pocket or £50 if you walk. Take a breath and bite your tongues lads.
Man of match - difficult choice between Stu and Lee, but i've chosen for Lee due to a great display in a position he has not played before.
