Well you always hear the pundits say "A Game of two Half’s", we now know what they mean. And it coundlt have been 2 different half’s from the Shooters.
We met up for the first game of the year and again we were at home to a team flying high in our division - spirits were high and there was a mood of "we can do this today"
The squad was strong and the team picked even stronger. The talk before the game was for a good strong start and to win our personal battles. Unfortunately for the first 45 mins we didn’t do this
We lost the toss and were uphill into the wind and the sun. This was going to prove a vital 45 mins. We struggled from the start - lets call in the Christmas cobwebs but it just wasn’t good enough.
On 17 mins the Saratt pressure told, a sloppy defensive error from the boys let them in for a 2 on 1 and bang 1 0 down. We continued to battle but get outplayed in midfield. There were very few chances for Warren or Nick to latch onto but the half time whistle came and we were still in it 1 -0
At half time some strong words from a few of the lads and myself lifted the team and the effort, it took 5 mins but we started to win our battles and looked like we wanted it. Luke took a knock and was replaced by Rob - Switching to 4 5 1.
We just couldn’t get the ball in midfield, Sean and Matt seemed to have 3 players to mark. Instantly rob put some extra BITE into the midfield and allowed us to play.
We created a chance for warren but it wasn’t taken. Some good work from Duff and Bavo released matt and the ball went well over. Still 1 0 and some good play released Matt again but the chance went begging.
Then on 65 mins against the run of play a free kick was punted into our box - Griff came out with conviction and smashed through Conway but the ball bounced free and was in the back of the net. 2 - 0
The heads dropped slightly and Matt was pushed forward to partner warren who was battling hard up their on his own.
Sean and Rob started to boss the midfield with the ever strong Louis and Glen controlling the centre of our defense. Another chance was created and missed. Would we rue these missed chances.
Sarratt raised their game to try and strangle the game 2 1 on 1s and Griff saved well both times keeping our chances well and truly alive.
It was time for another change 11 mins to go and Bavs had run the tank empty - on went Hitch - could he change the game!!
We pushed forward instantly with some good pressure from Sean and warren - corner!. Nick trudged over to take it and pinged it across the box it made its way to Louis who smashed it home from 18 yards 2 - 1 - Get the ball
Sarratt kicked off and we pushed up the field with some belief again warren pressured their back 4 and won the ball back for matt to smash home from the edge of the box 2 goals in 2 mins 2 - 2 Well done lads - time for a nervy 8 mins we thought
Not so, even though Matt was asked to sit and support Sean and Rob he continued to support Warren well he freed him down the middle and warren smashed a shot off the top of the bar SO CLOSE
We now had our tails up and was pushing for the win (I would have taken a point with a min to go) but the boys knew they were their for the taking.
Some more great work from Sean in the middle to win the ball and a great pass down the right to Hitch... it Bounced... He Shaped.... Surely not... your 25 yards out....He is you know... BANG right foot volley into the bottom corner past the helpless keeper... QUE pandemonium the fans went mad, the players went mad and me and bavs simply went crazy 3 - 2 90 mins
What a first goal in 11 a side young Hitchy - one to remember!
Time to be strong and show what we are made of, she referee signaled for 5 mins of injury time.. where did that come from.
A few free kicks were punted into our box but again Louis Conway duff and Glen stood strong as they had done all game.
We pushed for one last chance and had them rattled.... fighting broke out... its great to see another team doing what we used to do at the start of the season.
Peep.. the whistle finally came YES - a great result and team effort from everyone to turn it round - again proving our passion and commitment to each other.
That’s 4 on the bounce in the league now and up to 5th. Time to move onto next week with a tough game vs Potten end Away - another team up the top. It will take another great effort again lads. And we need to start better and get in front early.
But for now enjoy the moment 3 well deserved points!
Love to all
The Boss!!!! x
