As Ettington Rovers looked to return to the free flowing football style that manager Kirk Waller is trying to promote this season, weather conditions did not look likely to promote such a game. With the amount of overnight rain, it was surprising the ground staff allowed the game to go ahead. The wind, relentless throughout the 90 minutes, helped to dry the pitch slightly.
In a goalless first 45, Ettington, playing into the gale, started brightly using the wide men to good effect and getting in behind the Racing Club Evolve back four. Law dictated play in the middle of the park, driving at the heart of the Racing back line and threading some good balls through for Pitts and Wilkins (B) to run on to, only for a strong rearguard to snub out any real chances. Racing Club, using the wind, kept the ball down refusing to just thump it long and also played from the middle, although never actually troubling Pearce in the Ettington goal, as he swept up well behind a comfortable back four.
As the second half got under way, Rovers seemed to have gone to sleep, allowing Racing Club to take charge of the early exchanges. The pressure, relentless finally saw the deadlock broken. In the 55th minute, a cross/shot was well parried by Pearce, only for the ball to hang in the air and with Lawrence rooted underneath it the Evolve forward managed to bundle the ball over the line. With Ettington losing its grip on a game they didn't deserve to be down in and Brown losing his front tooth in a bizarre incident with the ball doing the damage, changes were imminent. In the 65th minute the much-awaited return of Bartels and the introduction of Wilkins (N) saw Brown and Jackson leave the scene of battle. Five minutes later, a throw-in deep inside the Racing Club half led to some smart play down the right and a delivery into the box creating confusion among the Evolve defence. In the goalmouth scramble that ensued, Man-of-the-Match Ian Law (70) pounced to bring Ettington back on level terms. In the closing 20 minutes, Rovers pushed forward looking for the winner and created the better chances. The best of which saw Pitts' one on one saved well by the keeper down low to his left. The defence held a good line and caught Evolve's forwards offside on numerous occasions.
Although Ettington could possibly feel they should have taken all 3 points, a draw was probably the fairest result. A step in the right direction as Rovers look to re-find their early season form.
