A late goal from AFC Stanley's outstanding hat-trick hero denied Heyside a deserved point today at a very very cold Wright Robinson Sports College.
The result may be disappointing but overall there was much to admire in our performance against one of the stronger teams in the Autumn season which should stand us in stead for the next Spring season starting in the new year.
It was end to end stuff with both sides giving as good as they got but it was Heyside who took the lead with another tremendous individual goal from top scorer Lewis who again caused all sorts of problems for the opposition defence. Likewise Liam had another top game and deserved a goal for his efforts going close on several occasions.
With Tyrae running late Sam slotted into central defence alongside Lennon and both gave excellant performances with Sam again making it very difficult for me to move him back to his favoured midfield position such was the qualty of his display. Jacob and then Joel had their hands full copiing with Stanley's star performer but both stuck to their task well. Luke L started at left back in Matty and Tyrae's absence and again combined well with Brandon before moving into midfield for the second period where he went on to put in a fantastic stint breaking up Stanley attacks and linking up well to get the team moving forward.
Dan, Baillie and Ryan all did well through the centre - Ryan has added a more combative approach to his undoubted footballing ability and Dan and Baillie need to follow his lead as both show good ability on the ball and with their passing but need to improve on the fitness side. Alongside them Cameron played superbly well on his Heyside comeback and will make a massive contribution to the team if he continues to perform like this which we know he will.
Two goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half gave Stanley the lead to put them on the way to the top of the table but back came Heyside with Lewis playing in Jack to finish superbly and level the match at 2-2.
A deserved point at least looked to be on the cards for Heyside but heartbreak was to follow 5 minutes from full time as a quick break ended with the Stanley dangerman slotting the winner past keeper Jack who gave an assured display in goal today and had no chance with any of the goals.
Quick reminder to parents (and Ash and me) not to get on the ref's back - it's a difficult job which I wouldn't like to do and our club and the EMJFL in particular quite rightly support zero tolerence in issues of this kind. Get behind the lads and bite your lip when things go against us and tell us to do the same!
MOM:
Fantastic comeback today from Cameron took the award but Sam, Lewis, Liam and Luke ran him very close and the rest of the lads all performed well to give us much to look forward to looking ahead to the upcoming Spring season. Two more matches to go though before we start again and still lots to play for before the Autumn season ends.
Great effort today lads well done all of you.
