In an exciting match against our good friends and rivals from Bedlington, the game was decided with a well taken early goal from the Storm. There was little to choose between the sides, in an end to end hard fought encounter. Bedlington deserving the victory due to their hard work and skill in central areas.
In the first quarter we started well, with Elliott having a shot on two minutes which was saved by the keeper. At the other end Aaron was called into action making a good save and block. Sam then went just wide in the 6th minute. The goal coming on the 7th minute a long ball was controlled well and unfortunately as we had two men chasing the same ball he was able to cross if for the unmarked Josh to finish nicely giving Aaron no chance. Our response was good though, with Joseph and Sam both having shots in the last couple of minutes.
Again we started well second quarter with Elliott again being denied by the confident Bedlington keeper. Bedlington then bagan to be dominant in the middle of the field and had much the better of the game only some excellent work from James and a cracking save from Aaron. On the counter attack, Sam found space but just shot wide.
Elliott moved into left wing back position in the third quarter and we started to pass the ball better, good to see throw outs from the back from Aaron to Elliott. Bedlington had a good shot just go wide, minute later Josh had a good long rane shot denied by the keeper. Soon after Elliott made a great run up the left wing, had a well timed tackle and the loose ball fell to Joseph who's shot was turned behind by the keeper for a corner. At the other end we had to scramble a number of times with Aaron doing very well. Last two minutes of the quarter Sam & Elliott again went close
Fourth quarter and again Aaron was called upon early on dealing well with successive corners. Again the game switched to the other end with Harry turning nicely and being denied by a good block. Josh then forced a great save from the Storm keeper. This was probably our best spell with Josh trying a long range shot, and Sam shooting just wide. A minute later Sam again was in the action this time tracking back superbly to clear the loose ball which was just about to be put into the goal. As we pressed for the goal Bedlington were causing problems on the break but Aaron stood up to the task excellently. End of game Storm the victors, congratulations to them, third time lucky boys in a few weeks!
Just like to say how proud I was of all the boys today, we battled hard from start to finish against a physical Storm side, and our attitude was good throughout. Both keepers had strong games in a even game. We had strong performances all over the pitch, and that is all I can ask from you boys that you give 100% for 40 minutes. For the next match the only thing I would say is lets try and win more of those 50-50 midfield battles, this then takes pressure off the defence.
Aaron got the man of the match award from the Bedlington coach's. I would just like to pick out Josh as a close runner up, being asked to play in a variety of positions after predominantly being a striker, you have really stepped up well over the last couple of weeks, and your all round game is really improving keep up the great work! Elliott, Sam, James and Joseph also put in strong shows, with Harry making some good runs in the final quarter, and Liam trying his best up front.
