Bomarsund rocks to the Guidepost thriller beat, no horror show for us!!
Another nail biting encounter, and again we just came out on top in another entertaining game. Wallsend pushed us all the way, but on the balance of play, think we just about deserved the three points which consolidates our top 6 position. A place in top 6 would be a great achievement considering how tough a group we are in. Three matches to go, just need to keep battling and working for each other like we have done throughout the league so far. The strength in the squad shone through today, and the selection headaches don't get any easier.
First Quarter - Starting Line up - Aaron, Harry, James, Dane, Elliott, Dylan, Joseph.
We started the game well, nice pass through to Dylan from Elliott who tested the keeper straight away with a long shot.. Madrid though came straight back at us, as they enjoyed a succession of corners. This pressure paid off as there was confusion in our box and eventually the ball was stabbed over the line. We are now made of sterner stuff than last season, and going a goal down does not faze the lads. On five minutes a fine Elliott cross was well blocked. A minute later and we were back on level terms, good work between Dylan & Elliott led to Elliott having good run down the left crossing it in which was controled by Josephs left foot, perfectly into the path of the fox in the box Dane, who made no mistake shooting hard into the net. Good work Elliott, and nice finish Dane. On 8 minutes Elliott went close, keeper making the save, a minute later and Elliotts shot went just over the bar. At the other end, James and Harry had to be on good form to keep Madrid out, and Aaron was called up to make a save in 10th minute. End of first quarter 1-1.
Second Quarter - Starting Line Up - Aaron, Sam, James, DAne, Elliott, Dylan, Josh.
Again we started the quarter on the attack, Josh having a long shot, and Dylan being blocked. A minute later though Madrid broke with pace, but thankfully the shot just went wide. On 16 minutes Madrid went close again, as they held the advantage in this quarter. The nearest we went to a goal was in the 20th minute, from a corner, James controlled the ball well and got a good shot away, which was just deflected by the post for another corner. Again Madrid were quick to break down the other end and again the shot just went wide. Sam & James were extremely strong again in this quarter, while Aaron was now starting to get plenty of distance on goal kicks. Still 1-1 at end of quarter.
Third Quarter - Startling Line up - Aaron, Sam, James, Joseph, Elliott, Harry, Dylan (Sub on 30 minutes Josh for Joseph)
Good start again with Dylan again testing the fine Madrid keeper, it was all pretty level stuff, with both teams controlling the other. Josh who'd had a quiet quarter up front, came on for Joseph on the left, and the impact was immediate, finding himself in space a long way out Josh ran on and got a stunning long high strike away which flew into the top corner giving the Madrid keeper no chance, Encouraged by this Josh nearly doubled his goals, but his shot just went wide a minute later. On the other side of midfield Harry who had come on was having a great game, making lots of good strong runs. 33 minutes Madrid were back level, good play down there right, Aaron couldnt quite clear, and a lovely high cross was headed in perfectly by so called friend of the team Connor, no more joining in with our training. Only joking Connor nice finish. Dylan forced a good block again from their keeper. on 35 minutes, another good run from Dylan, and the defender just caught him in the area and a penalty was awarded. Elliott king of the penalties in training stepped up, but his tame shot was easily snaffled up by the keeper. End of third 2-2.
Fourth Quarter - Line Up - Aaron Sam James Josh Elliott Harry Bradley - Sub on 39 minutes Dylan on for injured Bradley.
With all to play for, we stepped up our intensity and looked the more likely to take the spoils at the start of the last quarter. Bradley coming on, had to come off injured soon after, a good brave first challenge led to a painful blow, which resulted in a check up at A & E. News from the hospital being that Bradley has pulled a muscle, and so will have to miss next couple of weeks. Get Well soon Bradley, best wishes for quick recovery. Another great run from Harry, and pass to Dylan who was blocked once more. on 43 minutes, Josh got another good strike away, but again was well saved. A minute later our good play got the reward, a powerful shot from Elliott could this time only be parried by the Madrid keeper, and Dylan following up well was in the perfect position to confidently strike the ball into the net. Well done skipper and nice following up Dylan. On 45 minutes Elliott again went close ball just flying wide, and on 48 minutes the keeper again made a super save from Elliotts fine shot. At the other end Sams electrifying pace kept getting us out of trouble backed up by the strong tackling of James. No major panics as we saw the game out.
Another tough win against good opposition, you have all done your team proud lads. Aaron not at his very best today, but goal kicking was good and made some good saves, James Excellent once again, Sam - superb at the back, Harry - A revelation on the right hand side, Josh - Stunning goal lots of good work on left. Dane - Best game in a while, got stuck in well, nice finish Elliott - typically hard working good display Dylan - Fine form at the minute good running and passing Joseph - Good hold up play up front, but poor work rate in midfield let him down.
For man of the match, no award this week from opposition coach, the home coaches decision was a joint award, between Harry & Josh, great workboys outwide.
