First of all would like to thank Prudhoe for being so accomodating regarding swapping their home fixture, as we had Joseph & Luke attending the county trials later in the morning. It was a very even game between well matched sides, Prudhoe impressed with their quick attacking play, and they will cause a lot of teams in the division problems. For me thought it was one of the best Guide Post performances of the season, as we worked hard to see the game out, and the link up play particularly in the first half was good to watch.
We had the better of the early game, with Luke, Joe B and Ryan causing the Rockets players lots of problems. After a number of chances we finally got reward when Joe B and Luke linked up well, and despite the keeper getting strong hands to Lukes powerfull shot he couldn't stop it from going in. We then went close from a corner, and Ryan was unlucky not to score. Rockets though were a threat on the break, but Mason, slater, Kieran and Alex (one vital tackle, well done Alex!) were standing strong, until the Rockets got a corner kick, this was put in nicely but we could have done better in clearing the ball, and we were punished when the player on the edge of the box volleyed in superbly to give Joseph no chance in goal. This gave the Rockets confidence and from then on it was end to end stuff. Second goal for Guide Post was fortunate, Joe B again putting Luke through and unfortunately for the Rockers Lukes shot was deflected past the keeper, giving him no chance. Luke was putting in great balls into the box from corners and from one of these balls in, the ball fell to the edge of the area where Ethan S finished smartly, and celebrated in style. The whistle blew for half time from resulting kick off.
Second half and again end to end stuff Luke forcing a good save from the keeper then minutes later he beat the keeper but the post came to the rescue for the Rockets. Ryan and Joe B also went close. Rockets though on a quick break away scored a lovely goal, nice run down the left, lovely ball into the middle and the player took it on and smashed it into the corner agian Joseph filling for Cam had no chance. The Rockets two sppedy attacking players were now getting a lot of reward as we seemed to be tiring. So Olly was switched to the holding midfield role, and his pace was very helpfull in seeing out the last ten or so nervy minutes. Right near the end Joseph had to pull off a fine double save, while we coped well with a couple of late corners. Final score 3-2. It was an entertaining game, and pit there had to be a loser as both teams gave it everything.
For man of the match, could have made a case for a lot of the boys, Mason & Kieran really strong at the back, Olly tremendous work rate, Ryan lots of good attacking runs, but as per last week, Luke got the nod from the away coaches for his fine attacking play, while again like last week Joe B just edged the home coaches decision, as he was a constant threat to the Rockets defence. Well done all the boys on a very good battling peformance!
