Going in to the game today Forest Hall were sitting proudly in first place in the league table, so the Jets knew they would be in for a tough encounter. Before the game they were told that Forest Hall are an excellent passing side and that we had to press on them and man mark to close down their options. We did this for the most part as we kept them quiet for long periods of the game.
It was end to end stuff early in the first period, without either goalkeeper having a great deal to do. This changed on about ten minutes when Forest Hall had the best chances, with a shot going wide and Kieran having to save nicely on a couple of occasions. At the other end speculative efforts from Ethan and Kyle was the best we could do. We did though get a goal against the run of play, we won a corner on the right, and Joseph put in a lovely looped ball to the far post, which Ethan headed in confidently from close range. Great corner, and good positioning from Ethan. Forest Hall rolled up their sleeves and got back on level terms before half time. A quick break and the left winger was nicely put through and he made no mistake beating Kieran in a one on one situation.
Second half and the Jets began brightly with some nice passing in the midfield, Joseph already going close before we took the lead, Ben playing well again on the left, had a shot which the keeper looked to have covered only for Joseph in a good position, thrust his foot out and got enough of a deflection to leave the keeper no chance. Well played Ben & Joseph. Then came a spell of pressure where Forest Hall were much the stronger side, we lost our way in midfield, and they deservedly equalised, again a great finish. Minutes later Kieran pulled off a stunning save diving to his right to push the ball past the post. It looked like it was a calamity a minute later, a soft shot from Forest Hall some how went through Kierans hands who then desperately divred to reclaim, the ref as he was back on half way was unsure as to wether the ball had crossed, but fortunately for us gave Kieran the benefit of the doubt.
This lucky escape seemed to fire up the Jets once again as they got back into the game, working much harder in the midfield. The winner was all down to hard work from Kyle he made a good run, battled through a tackle, and was first to react to the loose ball which he prodded past the keepr to give a 3-2 scoreiline. Still plenty of time for Forest Hall to put lots of pressure on our goal, but Joe at the back was really strong, while Kieran made a couple of saves also. It was relief that we heard the final whistle, and the boys had held on to a very good win. This was only about the second league defeat in three seasons for Forest Hall, so really well done lads. Passed the ball nicely at times, and the key to our success was being strong when defending.
For man of the match, Ben for his good runs and strong tackling got the aways coaches decision. For the home coahces decision, kieran was certainly up there, top draw save, while Dylan played his strongest game in a while, Joesph was involved with a couple of the goals, Ethan kept up his scoring run, but the home decision went to Joe who stood up big and strong against the powerful Forest Hall forwards. Well done Ben & Joe for your mom awards. but credit to the whole team for a good battling performance. Next week we face our inter club team mates when we go face to face with the Hurricanes. Want the boys to treat this as they would any other game, for the 50 minutes forget they are club friends, and play the best they can. Sure the Hurricanes will be giving it their all and wanting to get one over on the Jets boys. Good luck to both sides.
