The first game of the double header saw 11 players down at Riverside Lands at kick off time, not quite the 14 we had planned to have. Nevertheless, Meads were ready to continue thier unbeaten run in the new year and they did so with a narrow but well earned 1-0 victory. Brent had been title contenders until recent form had seen them drop points and Meads were looking to make further strides in the league after turning around a dismal run before Christmas.
Brent started the stronger with both possession and territory but Meads soon settled and found a rhythm. The passing was far better than last week against Vaughanians, with the ball moving around quickly and crisply through the midfield. George was isolated to begin with, and up against two centre backs whose only intention was to clatter both him and the ball at every opportunity, this was not ideal. However, he started to get the support he needed and Meads looked the more likely to score. An early chance fell to Matt, who was found by Damo on the edge of the box. Matts shot, although well struck, was too close to the keeper and he tipped it over the bar for a corner. Meads began to show greater fluidity with Neil, Kev and Damo dominating the midfield exchanges. The communication and organisation that Neil brings to the central midfield has been a key part of the 4s mini revival since the new year and he turned in a great performance in the middle of the park, winning headers, making challenges and as always looking for the simple option when its available.
The game was in fact fairly uneventful but that should not take away from what was a good performance in the first half by Meads. The second half began with much of the same, but with the knowledge that one goal could easily settle the game with only 30 minute halves. Meads had struggled to reassert themselves as the half went on but had thwarted any attempts by Brent to take the lead themselves. The back 4 easily contained any threat with most chances coming from long range efforts.
The decisive goal was to come about 10 minutes in when a corner from Kev somehow found Jon at the back post, who bundled the ball home with some part of his legs/shin/knee, not really sure what. Either way Jon's Alan Shearer celebration has become a common sight of late with his goal tally increasing by the week. Wheeling away with one arm aloft, Jon's smile had a sense of disbelief to it, when is this goalscoring going to end for the centre back??
Meads let their foot of the gas after the goal and there was some sketchy moments towards the end of the game with Meads struggling to keep the ball in the right areas. However, Meads saw the game out and ran out 1-0 winners in the first of two games for the day, a perfect start and a very accomplished performance as a team. Neil was awarded MOM for his role in the middle of the park, with the help of Damo and Kev, his controlling influence helped keep Meads assured and organised throughout the game.
