Today we played out our best game of the season so far to take the scalp of the high flying Launton boys side.Tyler scored early in the game and the goal positively lifted everyones confidence. Ned started the move by winning a good tackle on half way ,he then released Sam down the left flank. Sam outstripped his marker and rolled an inviting pass into Tyler who gleefully placed the ball into the bottom corner. The home team tried to respond but a strong defensive unit featuring Harlie, Ryan, Luke and Will kept them at bay and they were forced into driving long shots at our stand in keeper Dominic. Dom had luck on his side when a dangerous freekick beat the wall , the swerving ball hit Doms shoulder and went up and over the bar. The keepers luck wasn't to last though as our former player George tried his luck from outside the box, the ball took a nasty bounce on one of the drainage ruts and hopped over diving Dom and into the net for the equaliser. To everyones credit we refused to let the goal knock us back and we were soon back down the other end going close to re-taking the lead. Josh sent in a teasing cross to the waiting forwards Tyler fed Ned then picked up the lose ball after Neds shot had been blocked, he sent this effort the wrong side of the post. We went in level at the break.
It was noticeable just how keen we were to get back on for the second half where Launton looked a little less enthusiastic. We started brightly again , Ollie had been introduced soon after half time for Will with Ned dropping into the back line. Ollie gave us fresh impetus down the left wing and we were pushing the home side back at every opportunity . Josh and Harlie totally locked down the right side for us an area in which we had been exploited on the two previous encounters with todays opponents. In the middle of the park Liam and Joe worked tirelessly to stop and start any attacks. Our second and eventual winning goal came along in a similar fashion to our first. Neds' clearance fell to Sam and a great diagonal run from Josh Billsdon was spotted by the striker. Sam perfectly weighted his pass onto Josh and in a flash Josh whipped the ball past the keeper. Tyler took a blow to his Knee and so Lewis Craven entered the fray as his replacement. With Launton now desperately trying to get back on level terms Lewis and Ollie were doing exceptionally well to peg them back in their own half where they didn't really want to be. Josh was making the dangerous full backs life difficult for him and consistently won the battle with his marker. With two minutes left on the clock Lewis had the chance to sew the game up on the breakaway but the keepers outstretched leg prevented a goal and in the blink of an eye Dominic went full stretch in our goal to keep out the equaliser and give us a much deserved win. All players can take great praise from their performances today but Liams protection job in front of our defence just gets him the man of the match nod.
