Guide Post tough it out against strong opposition.
Another impressive performance from our lads today, against a classy strong Hawks side, our 7 worked so hard once again, whilst the Hawks had the benefit of being able to spell players, bringing 11 to the game. Missing today were Sam and Josh. So we lined up with Aaron, James, Harry, Elliott, Joseph, Dane & Dylan.
First quarter and the Hawks were the better team, we just didn't really get going at all, and Joseph in the central midfield role didn't work out too good. At the back James, Harry & Aaron had to work really hard to keep them out but on 8 minutes the pressure finally tolled, a corner came in and was headed about four times, before the final header saw the ball go in off the post. 1-0 to the Hawks. They continued to have the better of the game, but as the quarter did go on we did force a couple of corners. Due to good work at the back we did well to be just 1-0 down at the end of first quarter.
For the next quarter Joseph was moved to the striker position, Elliott in to the middle, and Dylan on the left, this gave us a better look. Aaron was called on early and made a strong save. We were now though starting to cause equal problems for them Dylan having a shot blocked on 15 minutes, then some nice passing on 20 minutes saw the keeper make a good double save from shots from Joseph & Dylan. On 22 minutes a long range strike from Elliott was just turned wide from Joseph on the volley. A minute later we got the goal our good play deserved Elliott looking up and spotting Joseph was in space, still a bit to do took the ball on and calmly placed it into the bottom left of the goal, past the onrushing keeper. End of the 2nd, 1-1.
It was now very much end to end football, with some lovely passing from both sides, Harry & James superb at the back, while Elliott & Dylan worked tirelessly in midfield. On 27 minutes Dylan, went on a good run beating a couple of defenders, but his shot was saved by the keeper. Joseph & Dylan then both thought we should have had a penalty when a shot struck the arm of Hawks defender, just a case of the Ref thinking it was ball to hand. Three minutes later, and we were in the lead, Elliott chipped it up for Joseph who turned and hit it on the volley from 20 yards out, a great strike that hit the inside of post and then went in, super strike Joseph. Three minutes later the Hawks were back on terms, again a scramble in the box, and the ball was stabbed in past Aaron. Just before the end of the third Aaron had to make another fine strike. 2-2 end of 3rd.
Our lads were now really tired, but they dug in and showed the fighting qualities which we now have. Aaron had to make another good save, whilst James & Harry time and time again got vital challenges in. At the other end we went close on a few occasions, but equally good defending from the Hawks kept us out. Final score 2-2, which was a fair result between two good passing sides, played in excellent spirit. Our super 7 did us proud, Aaron 2 or three vital saves, James very strong, Harry great reading of game, Elliott strong all over the pitch, Dylan playing in different position worked hard and passed superbly, Dane got stuck and was a danger to Hawks, Joseph great strike and cool finish.
Our coach's decision was Harry as man of the match, didn't put a foot wrong all game, Hawks coach decision was Aaron so shared decision. A case could have been made for all the boys, very close decision. Training Wednesday GPMS 5.45pm then match Saturday 10am KO v Bedlington Lightning.
Well done lads!
