We kicked off with a strong wind behind us, gusting to gale force at times and we knew that we needed to take advantage of it. We started well, playing some good football and managed 3 well worked chances without actually getting a shot on target. But unfortunately the patient football soon disappeared as we started to play too many balls over their defence. The majority of which ran through to the keeper or out of play for a goal kick. We dropped down to their level – playing the big boot kick and chase game. We ended the half as it started at 0-0 but with Wraggy collecting a yellow card for dissent.
Cammy came on for Simon and Moo replaced Ollie at the interval. The Reds put us under pressure in the early part of the 2nd half with Adam making a superb point blank save on 44 minutes. The only goal of the game came on 48 minutes. We conceded a free-kick on the edge of their box and the ball was launched forward. With the wind carrying the ball it sailed over Dom’s head by just millimetres. Connor got to the ball and shielded it all the way back to Adam. Perhaps Adam was undecided on whether to pick it up or kick it clear but in the end neither happened. The ball somehow got through his legs and was put in the net by the forward. The Reds were having problems with the wind as well either sending long balls out of play or not being able to match the pace of our defence. We continued to try to belt the ball clear in the air with no real success. Corie felt he was fouled just outside the box and put his case over to the ref until he became our 2nd yellow card of the game. Chiv came on for Nev at centre back and then we finally started to move the ball around. We controlled it and kept it on the ground putting a lot of pressure on the Reds defence for the last 15 minutes of the match. Unfortunately the equaliser never came, the closest we came was Wraggy’s free-kick which was pushed around the post by the home keeper.
The final score was a 1-0 defeat but the disappointment didn’t end there. On the touchline after the match Simon decided to share his frustration and tell the ref what he thought of him. He was shown a red card for foul and abusive language. He didn’t help his case by giving a false name and is now expected to face a big fine and lengthy ban.
Man of the Match was Dom, who had tried to play the ball on the ground throughout the entire game.
