Today we went from good to bad to ugly all in the same game. Our first half performance was very very good, the second half was almost bad and in the end we managed to win ugly in a close run contest. Some of the football we played in the opening half was the best we have played all season. Our defence marshalled by Ned restricted
Bodicote forwards to just one clear effort. Zains' rocket came back off the bar and from the clearance we swept up field to bury our second of the day. Ollie opened the scoring with a well taken near post strike after Callum had slipped him in behind the Bodicote defence. A moments hesitation in front of our own goal almost cost dear but the home strikers effort somehow stayed out. We escaped with our lead intact and sprung an amazing counter attack which ended with Jake tapping home Ollies’ clipped through ball. This 2 goal cushion allowed us to play some brilliant interchanging football creating further chances for George and Tyler but a combination of good goalkeeping and wayward finishing meant it was only a 2-0 at the break when it should have been a much bigger tally.
In the second half the home side responded immediately. Two or three near misses gave us advanced warning of the danger but poor marking on the edge of our area allowed Alfie a clear sight of our goal and he made no mistake hitting home from outside the box. Bodicote pushed hard for a leveller but our own defence still managed to limit any further clear shots on goal. After repelling the Bodicote forwards sustained pressure we managed to break out and pinch a third quite stunning goal from Tyler. Jake burst down the right flank and pulled the ball back for Ty. Tyler still had some work to do before tee-ing himself up and letting fly with an unstoppable shot past Adam in the Bodicote goal. We missed another couple of half chances to kill off our opponents and were punished again when Alfie repeated his first effort scoring from an unmarked position on the edge of our area. By this stage of the game our brilliant flowing football of the first half was a distant memory as we struggled to hold out for the points with a scrappy second half display. Our passes were failing to find their men and there was little respite for the now overworked defenders, all of whom deserved credit for their dogged efforts throughout this game. Keiron ,Joe,Ned and Owen all played a huge part in this victory protecting our goal at all costs and Isaac dealt with almost everything bar Alfies 2 fine strikes. Our midfield excelled in the first half but failed to match their opponents in the second . It made the job so much more difficult when we failed to dominate the middle of the pitch. Up top we showed great movement but again on a number of occasions we opted to shoot when team-mates were better positioned, this being said our talking and calling for the pass has got to improve all around. Ollie was denied a certain goal in the closing stages by a terrific save and from the ensuing corner Tom nodded home Ollie’s deep cross to make sure of the points. Thanks goes to our 3 subs, Harlie, Chris and Alex who stayed enthusiastic and supportive throughout. We have needed each and everyone of you this season and it is much appreciated. Thanks all of you today for your efforts,2 games remain let’s win them both.
