Elliotts late strike wins nail biter.
In this tough group where you have to fight for every point you can get, we had a roller coaster type game, but just come out on top. Much credit to the Whites for getting the game on to beat the weather. It was a game that could have gone either way, end to end through out.
Starting line up - Aaron, Josh, James, Joseph, Elliott, Sam, Dylan
First two minutes and both sides had gone close, first Elliott having a good shot, then the Whites slicing our defence open, but the striker just hit his shot wide. Next few minutes there were some half chances at either end, with Sam making a couple of very good long runs, but good defending kept him out. On 9 minutes Elliott had a long shot saved by the keeper, and a minute later Dylan tested the keeper. Elliott then made a good long run, but his feet got caught in the ground just as he got to the keeper. On 11 though good attacking football from the whites on the left and a strong shot hit the side netting. End of first quarter 0-0
Second quarter line up - Aaron Harry James Joseph Elliott Sam Dylan (Subs in half on 18 mins - Dane for Joseph)
The first goal of the game came just a minute after the restart Elliott finding himself in space in the middle of the park, stood on the gas motoring forward, got it on to his left near edge of the box and a got a crisp low shot away, fine individual effort. Sam and Dylan then both went close on 16 minutes. A minute later Whites nearly scored as the ball bobbled around in the penalty area. Whites were generally looking better as the quarter went on, Aaron making a great save on 20 minutes, Elliott though did just go wide on 21 minutes. Aaron again made good save on 23 minutes, from the corner it went nicely to edge of the box and a lovely strike this time gave Aaron no chance. End of 2nd Quarter 1-1.
Third Quarter Line Up - Aaron Harry James Josh Elliott Dane Dylan - (Subs Joseph for Dane 32 Sam for Josh injured 33)
Started the quarter again well, and a Elliott free kick in a dangerous position was well saved by the keeper, a minute later the Whites keeper again was called into action when Josh got a good shot away. Dylan also went close soon after, at the other end Harry & James were defending well. On 31 minutes though Whites took the lead, some good passing and a lovely long low shot gave Aaron no chance. Rather than let it go against us we stood up well to going a goal behind. Just a few minutes later and we were back level, a good long clearance from James to Joseph, who held the ball up superbly, took his man on, then again held the ball up, and teed Elliott up with a nice cut back, the joint skipper making no mistake rifling the ball low into the net. A minute later and we could have had the lead, but after good run Sams shot was blocked. End of third 2-2
Fourth Quarter Line Up - Aaron Harry James Joseph Elliott Sam Dylan Subs Bradley for Dane 40 Dane for Bradley 45.
We generally had the better of the play in this quarter, but the Whites were a constant threat on the break. Sam had a good shot well saved, Dylan made a great run beating man after man, but after all the hard work couldn't beat the keeper. Joseph then just inside the Whites half seeing the keeper was off line hit a wonderful long high shot which looked like it was going to go in, but some how the tall Whites keeper at full stretch just managed to stop it. Great strike and save. As it looked like no side was going to get the winner, Dylan good work on the left, and a nice cut back to Elliott who hit it sweetly again this time with his supposedly weaker right foot, and it went in near the post. There was still time for Whites to put the pressure on but a last minute corner was cleared away, as we held on for a good win.
This game could easily have had a lot more goals for both sides, but the soggy conditions seamed to effect the boys shooting. Some of our passing was fantastic at times, but our work rate could be improved upon, and we just need to relax when getting into the danger zone. It was noticeable that all 5 goals came from good low shots. With regards to the man of the match awards, James I thought again was superb at the back, with Aaron & Harry helping out well, in midfield for his eye catching runs Sam was the Whites Coach's decision, need to track back though Sam!, Dylan had a lot of good runs, and set up the winner, Joseph had a strop free game, and played well passing and holding the play up. But for his well taken three goals, and non stop working Elliott was the home coaches decision for Man of the Match. Well done all training Tuesday 6pm St Bent Biscop.
