MDM Utd bounced back from last weekends embarrasment to end Haydon Utds unbeaten start to the season.
We were still not at full strength with Jordan and Spanish dropping out last minute but welcome the returning Ant up top and Lee Dumpleton at centre half. Thoday dropped back into CB with Lee T returning at RB. Thank you Please Morbey started at LB with Cookie returning on the wing; Foster on the other side. Jason and Wayne continued their partnership with Liam partnered by Ant. James and Alfied this weeks subs.
The simple request - hard team work and not a bad word to be mentioned.
1st Half
We were 1 down after two minutes as we were not alert enough. After that we matched Haydon all over the park as the Gaffers words seemed to have been understood. Lee D and Thoday marked their men tight while our own strikers were marshalled and it is was 45 minutes of a midfield battle. Gaz kept the score down with two impressive saves and the only clear chances falling to Ant whos shot was saved and Cookies attempt at giving the defender the eye on the line failing miserably. 1-0 but still in the game.
2nd Half
We huffed and puffed putting balls in the box and everyone worked hard to battle to chase the ball down but neither side looked like scoring in the first 15-20 minutes. Lee D sighed a massive relief when there quick striker pulled up with a hamstring injury after following him all game long. Another couple of smart saves from Gaz kept us in the game but werent able to work the home keeper enough. It was almost 2-0 but for Thoday's last gasp challenge and we were riding our luck. Sensing a change was needed James and Alfie came on as the formation changed to 3-5-2. A catalyst it was not but within a minute a goalmouth scramble saw Liam win the ball back and slot home from 12 yards via a slight deflection.
We quickly reverted to 4-4-2 Jason coming into the back 4 and Cookie into the middle with the two subs on the flanks. Further crosses were pumped into the box as Haydon allowed us the space on the wings. Ant was causing issues now and from ball in he and his marker clatterered the home keeper leaving him on the floor. As the ball bobbled away James scuffed a shot goalwards that the defender somehow missed and the ball nestled in the net; we were ahead! Annoyance shared by Haydon but the rule to stop the game is only for head injurys and the goal stood.
However the ref evened things up after a very soft penalty as Fosters attempted slide tackle left to a floppy dive by their striker and the ref blew for a penalty. We all feared the worst after all our hard work. However Gaz made sure of his man of the match award with a fine penalty save low to his right. The rebound somehow smashed into the post from a yard out and the ball eventually cleared. Foster was booked for being a total Pennis after a scuffle which we will say no more and thankfully the ref blew up.
1-2 the final score. Hopefully we can all now see what we can do when we focus on the game and working hard. Not the ref, or each other.
2 games at lower sides next. Lets not take them easy as 2 wins will push us right up the table.
