Today we visited KESH for the second time in a few weeks, to play Sheldon Royals. This was a league game, after our magnificent cup comeback previously, where the Reds are still searching for our first league win of the season. We knew Sheldon would be fired up for this one, considering the manner of their defeat previously, so the Reds had it all to do.
Early tackles flying in, Sheldon had a change of personnel from the last fixture, so there were some physical battles early on.
It was the Reds who struck first, when an uncontested drop-ball (the first of about 10 today from that stupid curtain line!!) was finely struck by JP for Rushy to get on the end of, who pushed a shot across the keeper off the inside of the post. Some confusion when Omar tapped in, but he said it was already over the line so Rushys goal. 0-1.
Some neat footwork from the Sheldon midfielder drew a foul, around 25 yards from goal, and without a wall (which was my call) the midfielder couldn’t have hit it sweeter and it flew into the top corner. Nothing Harrison could do in those goals. 1-1.
Sheldon, with their tails up, would soon be ahead when their midfielder was allowed space to run into, placing a fine shot into the far corner. 2-1.
A free kick around 25 yards out for Hampton presented JP an opportunity to have a crack, and crack he did but it just whistled wide of the right hand post.
Hampton were fighting, but were on the ropes as we went in to half time 2-1 down.
At half time we spoke about the desire, the bravery, the fighters. Sheldon were scrapping for everything and we weren’t quite matching them, a little bit lack-lustre which is unusual for the usually vibrant Reds. We did speak about mixing up the passes to play it short to the full backs rather than the big pump. The lads had some sweets and went out for the second half to try and put things right.
Unfortunately a mix up at the back presented Sheldon with an immediate chance but fortunately his strike whistled wide of the far post.
Hampton were struggling to get hold of the ball and the usual threat of pace was being nullified by the battling Sheldon side, clearly out to avenge the cup defeat. Fin was unleashed down the right hand side and we thought he should’ve had a pen as it looked like he was brought down, but the ref didn’t have the same opinion.
Hampton were now looking around for inspiration, with Jack unfortunately having no luck on the injury front and Sheldon winning the battle, the clock was ticking and Sheldon were buoyant.
A free kick, around 30 yards out, was awarded (along with a yellow card which I thought was unnecessary) provided Sheldon with an opportunity to get the ball in the box (we thought) but unfortunately for us the same player that hit the first one had other ideas… a carbon copy of his first bursting the net from fully 30 yards, 3-1.
I’ll say it now, those 2 free kicks do not go in when we play at home. Our goals are the right size and more manageable for 13 year old kids, and those full-size goals can really exploit the youngsters size. They are not the recommended size for our age group but are allowed, something I can’t say I agree with. However, hats off to the player, he’s hit two absolute worldies there that I’d be proud of myself.
If we were on the ropes before, we were now down and out. Body language hadn’t been the same today, and we were clearly out of our comfort zone when up against a physical team.
A late penalty was awarded to Sheldon (and another harsh yellow card… the pen would have been enough punishment here) and the player stroked home to grab his hatrick and put the final nail in the Hampton coffin.
Back to the drawing board for the Reds, having had a very difficult set of fixtures to start the season, we could do with getting some of our cup form in the league. However, with two cup games incoming (both at home) we’ll have to concentrate on those first!
We’re always learning, last week it was game management, this week it was just one of those days, but hopefully that’ll motivate the boys for the next one!
MOTM today went to JP, who fought to the death and could do nothing himself to keep out at least 3 of the 4 goals. He contributed to our goal and nearly hit a screamer himself. The man he is, he was disappointed today I could see it, but he should certainly be proud of his showing.
Onto next week
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