After a week of heavy rain it was nice to be able to have a day of sun shine for a change. That gave the lads the extra incentive to go out and show what they can really produce.
A few changes were made today as we said at the start of the summer league we can afford to tinker a little as to see if players can adapt in various positions.
After a couple of minutes the boys put in an explosive move between the midfield and attack, Harry chipping the ball to Adam who knocked it back to Liam with a first time header he put it on a plate for Luke to run on to and stroke the ball home, what a great start it was.
Plenty of more chances came but they were either saved or missed, thus giving the opposition a small chance of getting back into the contest which on play they didn't really deserve.
Billy making his debut in goal did his job really well by making sure we kept our lead, Jack was scrapping for everything and both Josh N and Josh K were playing the offside trap superbly.
A chance came to the oppositions best player on the day who had been kept quiet until now...he just managed to stay onside and fire the ball into the top corner giving Billy no chance.
Jack came off for Alex , Adam dropped to the right wing Hayden went into the centre of midfield and Liam slotted back into defence could the changes make the difference ?
The game then became a bit scrappy with the lads loosing a bit of their shape and maybe at times trying a bit too hard. The midfield were on top though and showing a bit more fight and physicality than they had shown in previous weeks. Hayden had a couple of chances some coming from Harry's left wing crosses but unluckily they didn't hit the target.
Half time 1-1.
After a great team talk by Dave it really motivated the lads because they had been the better team in the first 30 minutes. Keeping the shape and not panicking was all that was needed.
On came Connel and Jayden to give a bit of extra speed going forward. And once again a few minutes in and Adam blazed down the wing and fired in a wicked cross that surely someone could get on the end of...it wasn't one of ours so it went down as an own goal.
Tails were up now and our dominance started to show, slick passing, using the wings well and staying solid in defence and making the opposition chase shadows...very proud of everyone because they concentrated !!
On top and more goals to come..the third was a move from the left with Harry sliding the ball to Alex who picked out an inch perfect pass to Connel who smashed the ball home, then in quick succession the game was put out of reach, it was inevitable that Harry who hadn't played outfield for over two seasons was to get his goal he cut in from the wing and hit the ball with his right foot which curled sweetly into the goal, no time to give the opposition a rest it became 5 with the best goal of the game...the ball came to right side of the penalty area and without thinking Connel hooked an unstoppable shot over the keeper sheer brilliance !!!
Subs were made with not long to go and Connor got a few more minutes under his belt and linked play really well.
Again Billy couldn't prevent a second goal going in but not many keepers would have saved it so no blame on his part.
Full time 5-2.
A really good display today,full of grit and determination and some brave performances by the team. We were more physical today than we have ever played and it was good to see everyone winning headers for a change...well done to all the team.
Billy Joyce - What a great debut and a big thanks for stepping in at the last minute,lots of improvement to come wether it is to become a position he sticks at or not.
Jack Dowd - Stuck to his task and never gave the tricky winger a moments peace.
Josh O'Neil - Outstanding and very brave, didn't let much get past him.
Josh King - Was able to link play up the left hand side with ease, another solid game.
Liam Bown - Strong game in midfield and defence a great captains performance,great assist for the first goal.
Harry Allen - Not sure how we are going to keep him quiet from now on after his stunning strike...with his right foot !!!
Hayden Smith - Energy to burn once again...very unlucky not to score and played centre and wing today.
Luke Casey - Top scorer at the moment in the summer league and long may it continue,his finish today was sublime.
Adam Ford - His pace gave their defence a torrid time and his cross created the second goal.
Alex Williams - Held the ball up really well today...nice through ball to set up the third goal.
Connel Mallon - A fantastic brace today and some classy finishing,best game he has played so far.
Jayden Elson - Defence seems to suit at the moment and never once let his team mates down.
Connor Knowles - Has learnt to link play at the right times and it showed again today.
Medlock Rangers up next who are another team that are improving week by week, so let's give it our best shot...see you all Wednesday.
