It was 1st v 3rd today & our opponents had beaten us a few weeks ago in the Cup so the lads were hoping to put in a better performance.............& they certainly did that.
From the first whistle the lads were battling for everything & Sunderland were making it a tough encounter. We created a number of good opportunities in the early part of the game but couldn't quite find the killer touch as the chances went begging. Time after time, Aaron produced superb defence splitting through-balls and surely it was only a matter of time before we made one count.....but it turned out to be Joe who supplied the first assist for the first goal, a lovely touch up the line for James who showed great strength to hold off the defender, rounding the keeper and then showing great composure to fire home 1-0. We got the 2nd goal on 24 mins & it was Aaron who put another through ball for James who made no mistake 2-0. Sunderland still battled away and had a chance of their own but fired over the bar from the edge of the box & the next goal was going to be crucial..............it went our way just before half-time and once more it was Aaron who popped over a beautifully weighted ball over the defender and James pounced to gte his hat-trick.
Half Time 3-0
James came off at the break as he was feeling unwell, so Niall came on. A chat to the lads to ensure they didn't take it for granted, there was still 35 mins to play and we had to stay focussed. The lads were excellent in the first half in all areas, not just going forward, we were brilliant at the back too. It's always easy to talk about attacking and goals but we must not forget about he defenders and keeper. Carl, Matt J & Elliot were great at the back & Alex was alert & came out to collect and cleared well.
Well, we started the second half in the same fashion as the first. We battled for everything & played some fantastic football. On 45 mins we made the game safe when Elliot played a lovely 1st time pass through for Aaron, who time his run to perfection to run through and dink the ball over the keeper 4-0. We were really on top now and went 5-0 up when Aaron set up Owen Rooks to toe poke the ball home past the keeper. On 55 mins we won a free kick on the corner of the box, Aaron swung the ball right in towards the bottom corner of the goal and Niall was there to send it into the net 6-0. Niall then turned provider for Aaron who bravely nipped in before the advancing keeper to slot it home but did get clattered in the process - brave.
Full Time 7-0
Joint Men of the Match - Aaron & Owen Crossley - the most difficult decision of the season so far for the parent to pick this today, there were a number of outstanding performances but firstly, Owen Crossley totally bossed the midfield today, just as he has done all season - absolute quality this morning, winning everything & brave as a lion. Aaron done what he does best and has done for the last few years - create for the team. He played some sublime defence splitting passes today, great vision and two well deserved goals.
In summary - Everyone stepped up to the mark today just when we needed it. An awesome performance & a sign that the lads can go all the way this season.
