Pre match confusion on where exactly we are playing led us to trudge across scores of ladies playing touch rugby. When we finally got there, the slight drizzle before threaten to derail our preparations. Or lack of preparation as we couldn’t really warm up.
This is only our 4th league game but already the 2nd time we playing BC. Having remembered how we lost to them the last time, we seem to want to have revenge. And revenge we did.
We started the game by really managing to string passes around the GRASS pitch. Adapting better to the pitch, we were comfortable in defence and were pushing all over. Andy was back in the team and he was harassing hard in his role of AM. First chance went to Colin as he was passed the ball by the opponents and he could only flash it wide of the left post. Next notable chance is when Colin won a header and head it onto the cross bar. BC were physical and quick to close us down. But they didn’t really create much chances and the first half ended goalless.
Things happened in a flash in the second half. Max took matters into his own hand and twist and turn on the right, beating several opponents before putting a low hard cross into the box. Somehow the goalkeeper missed it and it fell to Colin. He air kick the ball and then managed to poke it into goal. 1-0. Well deserved as we were clearly on top. Faz was now in the game and was continuing what Andy had done in the first half. Closing down the opponents quickly and didn’t give them any time. Harold then got the ball on the left. He looked up and saw Colin making a run. A pass over the top left Colin 1 on 1 with the keeper and he made no mistake as he struck it into the left corner. Despite all these, BC were pushing us hard. A long ball over the top beat our offside trap and their young punk (19) was through on goal. He hesitated and Sherman made a fine save for a corner. Remember Faz? His quick closing down of the defence led a ball to fall into Colin’s path. 1 on 1 with the keeper and plenty of time. Obviously he didn’t know what to do as he tried to dance or did stepovers. Nobody knew what he was doing. He then kicked it against the keeper and went out for a goal kick. Terrible. But obviously the highlight of the game as several fans commented on this. We weathered the storm as BC piled on the pressure. Defending resolutely, we preserved our clean sheet to see out the game. 2-0 win and sweet revenge.
The game could have been marred by ugly incidents. Although things didn’t escalate, the opponent (19) was certainly putting his feet where he shouldn’t. We have to control ourselves and think for the team. If the game really goes out of control, we really waste our Saturday going all the way there for the game. There are other ways to get back at dirty players. Trying to confront or get into a fight doesn’t turn you into a hero. Or the lack of action on these doesn’t mean you are a pussy. It shows how mature you are in handling matters. A team is 11 players. 17 if you count those on the sidelines. One ugly incident will make 16 friends waste their afternoon. Be hard. Physical. Not dirty. And show good sportsmanship.
It was a great team effort today. Having won the game wasn’t the most satisfying part for me. It’s the fact that we kept a clean sheet. 2 games on this pitch and we scored 7 and conceded none. Could be our lucky pitch like someone commented. 4 games 6 points. Half of what Liverpool have now. Let’s bring this momentum forward and collect as many points as possible.
