The scurge of Botanic has struck yet again as they scored a dramatic winner in the first period of extra time to complete a league and cup double with us having to settle for the runners up spot in both. It all started so well as we started the game really strongly dominating the ball and frustrating Botanic stopping them from settling early on. We got our reward after 12 minutes when Lewis Woods's kick upfield caused confusion for their central defender Mitchell used his strength to get in behind and hit an unbelivable half volley into the top corner to send our land into dreamland. The goal really settled us down and Botanic just couldnt get going the ball over the top for Mitchell to run on to was our outlet but unfortunately we couldnt find that much needed 2nd goal.
With 12 minutes of normal time remaining just as it was looking that all of our hard work and defensive groundwork was going to be enough they capitalised on a mistake from Lewis who failed to hold on to a swerving shot and the rebound was smashed home. It was very harsh for our keeper who had looked very comfortable up until this point. Less than 2 minutes later Botanic were leading 2-1 and the tide had really turned in their favour, we gave away a soft corner and although we defended it well initially it was the second phase where we switched off. Immense credit has to be given to the lads though defensively we had been rock solid up until this with Dan back to his best and Kian winning his individual battles superbly, Jack also looked much more assurred at right back. Paddy had a quiet game by his standards however he ran himself into the ground alongside Johnny in central midfield who didnt give their engine room a minute to settle. Further forward in the attacking 3 set up Ross and Jamie pressed at every opportunity and Connor and Zach continued to do so when they replaced them, as for Mitchell he was having the game of his life it was a real Roy Of The Rovers display from him and with 5 minutes remaining with drained legs and shattered minds he managed to pull another worldy out of the bag to draw us level which meant extra time was required.
It was looking very much like being next goal the winner but we were confident that as we'd finished the game much stronger we could take the opportunity to clinch victory, however it wasn't to be Botanic done well to get the ball out of a tight space on our right and when the ball was layed off to their number 6 he fired a magnificent effort into the far corner which Lewis couldnt get near. With 5 minutes of extra time left we still believed if we created one more chance we could take this all the way to pens and Mitchell looked like he was going to be the hero all over again dribbling past 2 defenders a cutting into the box he fired a superb effort which beat the keeper but struck the inside of the far post, it would have left a tap in but nobody anticipated the follow up as fatigue had well and truly took hold. It was almost like the opening day season all over again, Mitchell went on a similar run in the league opener vs Sefton Red only for the same outcome to occur, that day it meant 2 points were dropped.
Despite the dissapointment every single one of the lads can take heart from the effort and commitment they put in and they cannot be faulted they showed how much the 8-1 defeat hurt them with their response and with them type of performances it wont be long before we can achieve success in the coming months and years ahead. We certainly ran Botanic close and baring a few small errors along the way it has been a really encouraging season.
Well done to all the lads for their efforts since September, thank you to all the parents and families for their contineus support also.
