Another Sunday, another cup game for Freemans FC and another team ranked considerably higher than us to be conquered. After last weeks disappointing defeat the chaps wanted to turn around the recent run of bad form and leave the field of play with a convincing victory. The players faced the added pressure of it being the 22nd birthday of their captain Scott Willock who was quoted before the game saying “Anything but a win will ruin my day!”
Nigel decided that the best tactic going into the game was to have the Pelsall Villa defenders being run ragged by an extremely attacking formation, complete with two new signings starting the game upfront. The game began well with Scott winning the toss and the Freemans boys began to believe that things would be going their way today.
Indeed for the first twenty minutes, even with such a gaping chasm in between the teams with regard to league positioning, Freemans pressed well and created several chances through the partnership of Barry and Male. Alas the tide was to turn and after a slight defensive mix up and an inability to clear the ball sufficiently Pelsall Villa took the lead.
The Freemans lads took this goal well however and continued to press and cause some problems for the Villa defence, still making full use of the electric pace of Male down the right flank. Just when Freemans seemed to be forcing their way back into the game tragedy struck. A long clearance from the keeper and an error at the back allowed the Pelsall striker an easy opportunity to double their lead which was duly taken.
With this goal Freemans heads dropped and it wasn’t long before a third and fourth goal were scored by Villa. Although Freemans also had their own chances with Bucknall going close after a delightful pass from Barry and a rather speculative effort from Bromwich from the edge of the area. Freemans believed that their problems were all over, however just before the half time whistle sounded another chance was taken by Villa extended their lead to a gigantic five goals.
As the whistle sounded and the boys left the field it became apparent to Hayward that changes needed to be made. In what can only be described as one of the most selfless acts you will see all season, Hayward looked to the star studded bench and elected the magnificent Leo Arnold to take his place. With this change made Freemans returned to the traditional 4-4-2 formation with Bailey dropping into the centre.
The whistle sounded for the beginning of the second half and Freemans began spiritedly with some wonderful passing between all members of the team. Once again this period of excellent play was quickly crushed by an overwhelming attacking urge from the Pelsall Villa players. Striking from just inside the area Stait made an excellent save only for a free Villa player to ghost in at the back post and ensure the ball crossed the line. This was quickly followed by another goal for Villa who had been running the poor, exposed Adam Rigby ragged since the beginning of the game. The icing for the cake for Pelsall came soon after with a deft chip over a stranded Stait to make the score a unbelievable 8-0.
At this point Hayward decided to make another change and the excellent Bailey left the pitch to make way for an eager Daniel Johns. The substitution was inspired as with his first touch Johns pulled off an audacious nutmeg to the delight of the crowd. With the changes made Freemans began to attack more and it wasn’t long before Johns had fooled another player with his trickery, sliding the ball skilfully between his legs. This seemed to lift the team and Freemans game improved greatly. Both wings were now seeing plenty of the ball and causing the Villa defenders some problems. Male on the right fizzed one off the crossbar and with support from a superb Hobson continued to threaten. Hayward then made his final change of the game with Powell coming on to replace Bucknall. With 5 minutes to go the break through for Freemans. Willock carried the ball out of the defence and looked up to see Bromwich making a run. The ball was inch perfect and Bromwich teased the ball over the head of the keeper into the back of the net. This gave the Freemans players some belief again and with 2 goals needed per minute for a win, the game seemed to be back on. Regrettably Freemans had left it too late and the game ended 8-1.
Match report by tom bromwich
ok lads we played two of the best teams in the lichfield league,we have not come out looking to good but we must carry on plugging away as our luck will change soon.i know we got the players its just a matter of time till it all comes together
