Chrissy McClaughlin stole the show with a virtuosso performance, after two below par performances he got his wish - a run out at centre half. Despite being the smallest player on the pitch his leadership skills, organisation and communication were the foundation which the team built on. His techical ability has never been in question but it was an incident in the 2nd minute that set the tone for the game and really impressed the coaching staff and fans alike.
A much changed Ballyholme side have added a lot of strength and aggression to their line up, as kick off approached the Forest coaches wondered if their physical presence up front would be too much for an untried centre back partnership, with big Kyle returning from spending quality time with his girlfriend, he was the ever dependable rock, but it was his pint sized hobbit looking partner who lead from the front (or back in this positional case). In the 2nd minute a clever through ball to the opposition striker could have led to an early goal but Little Ramos flew in with a superb crunching tackle, taking the ball and the player (who was possibly 3 times the size of him) and played a simple pass to the ever improving David Fee. This simple act set the standard for the rest of Frodo's game as he controlled the back line with confidence and a maturity that surprised everyone.
After last weeks stinking, wimpish attitude (last time I speak of that game - I promise) heads were up a bit as the players were looking forward to playing the only team we took maximum points off last season. As Ballyholme warmed up it was clear that this was certainly a more robust and physical team than last year and the Forest coaching staff did have concerns that our gentle, delicate little flowers would go into hiding again, but with a more relaxed team discussion and a bit of banter (but not like Malky's banter) in the changing room the attitude of everyone was right and after getting our heads in the game and some inspirational singing by the manager it looedk as if the mental corner had been turned.
The main ask was to keep it simple with plenty of quick passing and it was that ethos that worked a treat for the opening goal, the mercurial Kristopher Burns excelled in his more forward role and it was him that set up debutant Jeff Lau for a well taken header in the 8th minute. In the opening stages Forest dictated play and controlled the game, but we had to wait until the 17th minute for another goal when a sweet ball through to Dylan from cant remember who (oh-right it was Baker as he never shut up about it) was controlled well and rattled into the bottom left hand corner by the big hitman. Water breaks and roling sub changes contributed to a stop start half after the second goal, but the Forest players battled well and knocked the ball about with zip and panache. A tough tackle saw the injury ravaged Alan Baker crash to the ground which gave the coaches a scare but hopefully with a weeks rest and his ma and sisters running after him and pampering his every whim, he'll be back in the line up for the start of the league campaign. The second half continued on as the first half had ended with lots of stoppage and neither team getting to grips with the flow of play. After an agreed water break on 70 mins the management team asked the players to up the tempo and the guys responded well, big Morrow was unlucky with an effort and Chris Finlay pulled a shot wild, with other debutant Jake Reid and big Dylan going close on a few occasions. Special mention has to go to Burnsie, at times he was frustrated at getting himself in to great attacking areas and not get any service. Instead after a great ball from Frodo, Burns showed quick feet to get himself through the defence with only the keeper to beat he slipped a simple, unselfish pass to Dylan to roll the ball into an empty net. This was a great move and impressed the coaches greatly.
Stats are online. Passwords and login details will be available tomorrow night at training for players to rate their team mates - be gentle!!
Player synopsis:
Sam "Im really 2pac" Crawford - Talked and organised his defense which in turn snuffed out a lot of attacking danger. Distribution of the ball was excellent today.
David "Talks to much" Fee - For a position he's not fussed on it was another fantastic performance with great mauading runs down the wing.
Kyle "Im a lover" Jordan - Solid and dependable as ever. Some great headed clearances.
Curt "The closet Utd fan" Hughes - Making left back his own with another solid dependable performance.
Joss "I talk even more than Fee" Martin - Played well in an unfamiliar holding role, tidying up in front of the back 4 and building play.
Alan "Im in love with myself" Baker - Moved into the holding midfield after two excellent performances at centre half and aquitted himself well before injury struck.
Daniel "Sub me, my birds here" Dougherty - Showed neat touches and good feet and had some tidy passes.
Kris "My biceps are huuuuuge" Burns - Mercurial and Messi-like perfomance.
Jeff "Unbelievable" Lau - Great debut, topped with a sweet goal and had a real positive impact.
Dylan "The Silent Assasin" McComb - The big man has been an answer to our prayers 7 in 3. Outstanding.
[Subs]
Jonny "I love Zac Efron" MacIntosh - Big mans different class, added style and guile when brought on. Will be missed big time.
Thomas "High pitched" Morrow - As always excells and can dictate games for fun.
Chris "the Tashe" Finlay - Had a smashing impact when introduced, batlled and pressed the opposition defence really well.
Jake "Too soon to tag" Reid -Another debutant who excelled, great movement and will be a great addition to the squad.
Zach "safe hands" Morten - Caused the opposing team lots of problems before deciding football is more interesting when you punch the ball.
Chris "Dump-valve" Rentowl - Skilful as anything as usual.
Michael "I talk a wee bit less than Joss" Jess - Played in a few positions when introduced and excelled as always.
