Another Tuesday night friendly. Going into this match we knew a good performance was needed against opposition we will be playing in the league this season. Since the last time we saw the Darkhouse squad, a few additions had been made. Few being players from in the League the last few seasons.
From the start their was good pressure from both side. Each creating chances but failing to convert them. Darkhouse has added some pacey strikers and unlike most of the strikers we had played against, these knew the offside rule. The first chance worth a mention was a nice through ball for Bob but he was flagged offside by the linesman. Following that, Darkhouse piled on more pressure and came close to an opener with a long ball going straight through our defence. The Darkhouse striker neatly chipped the ball over Carl and was unlucky that the ball bounced off the post for Carl to collect. This was a wake up call for LHc and soon after a right side corner was lofted in by Robbie. Foxy ran on to the back post and headed the ball back into the box. Step up Andy to nod the ball into the back of the net for his first pres season goal. From the restart both teams again piled on the pressure with Darkhouse hitting the cross bar and shooting wide. LHC made chances count though. Andy hit a ball long down the down the right wing and Robbie hit it into the box off the second bounce. The ball was met by the on rushing Bob, who managed to get just enough of a toe on the ball to let it roll into the net. 2-0. The rest of the half continued in the same fashion with both sides having chances but LHC looking more likely to score again. Just on the stroke of halftime though a freekick on the edge of the area wasn't fully cleared and the resulting chip into the box was met by a Darkhouse head and was in the back of the net. Bad luck played a part in this one though as the defence smartly stepped up before the ball was kicked and the player was offside, the ref went against the flag though and awarded the goal. 2-1 half time.
Few changes at half time gave Steve a chance to try some players out in different positions and a chance for seb to have a turn in goal. The Second half continued a lot like the First with both side pressing for goals but LHC looking the more likely to score. 5 minutes after the break the third goal came. Lukas chipped a ball forward for Andy (who was slowly making his way back from a set piece) to header the ball past the keeper again for his second goal of the match. Darkhouse managed to pull one back 5 minutes later with a penalty that many on the touchline was harshly given. Seb was unlucky to get a hand on the strike, diving the right way but just missing the ball. 3-2. LHC then decided to put the game to bed with Matty H clearing the ball long up field. Bob broke through tthe defence and knocked the ball past the keeper outside the box to make it 4-2. On 90 mins Lee got the goal he told everyone he was going to score. another long ball up fell to lee who had broken through the Darkhouse lines. calmly knocking past the keeper from the same area as Bob had done half hour before. The ball even teased the chasing defender as he rushed to clear it but only managing to get a foot on the ball once it had crossed the line. Final score 5-2.
Looking back this was a good test against a fellow division 3 team. Looking at the players who have signed over the summer LHC look stronger with good strength and depth for most positions. Also when you counting the goals that can be scored through out the team, it would be unwise to discount us form a promotion/title push this season.
Special mentions today have to go to Andy, Matt H, Bob and the keepers.
Andy had a stormer today in defence and his 2 goals cap off a great display and earning him Man of the Match. Matt H had a great game along side Andy in Center Defence, and is showing that he has settled into with LHC. Bob looked like the player i knew from 2 seasons ago when MBD was first started and will get a few goals this season. As for Carl and Seb, well i'm sure steve is lying a wake at night worrying over which he is going to pick for the first match. Both making some good saves and looking settled between the sticks.
Final friendly against Dynamo Kingswinford on Saturday. Good performances will be needed, as well as commited training from everyone, to ensure a starting place against Halesowen Athletic on the 4th September.
