We were very aware of our oppositions recent record and knew this would be a very challenging encounter.
Phantoms started off very brightly with a chunk of possession and some really nice passing combinations. There was no mistaking that Alton were dangerous on the counter, particularly with their very skillful left winger and the lightning speed and intelligence of the Pumas striker.
Eventually a rather passive bit of defending led to Alton scoring the opener, perhaps against the run of play..
This then became a very interesting phase of the game. Alton looked dangerous on the break and from the high ball and we were close to conceding a second. However the spirit of this team showed through as they carried on playing their football. A lovely passing move from TH to EHE who then carried the ball well before putting RD through on the left to equalise..1-1 half time.
No churchillian speeches at half-time. Asked RD to drop deeper to deal with the high ball from their keeper as this was a problem in first half.
Second half Phantoms were very compact, making it difficult for Alton to play through us, something the boys worked on in training. The attack looked lively and decisive. Took the lead early in second half, through ball from rob led to new striker HJ pouncing on the bouncing ball to score past the keeper. A third came soon after with JF/EH playing a clever pass sequence down the line to EHE who got goal side of the defender and passed the ball into the goal, near post.
At 3-1 we started to feel the pressure, 12 mins left on the clock. They say a watched pot never boils and that was exactly how it felt!!!! Alton were playing some very clever football and causing Phantoms to panic and become more desperate. There were chances for Alton but somehow we scrambled or got lucky. Alton pushing on meant they were vulnerable to the counter and motm EHE ran a good line to score a fourth after a touch of class from JC to play the through ball. 4-1 final score.
There was a lot of subbing in the second half yesterday, trying to get players game time in their more effective roles.
