Old Meadonians IVs Vs Dorkinians IIs: W 3-2 T Etheridge, M Wolfe, G Mayou
The 4s started their new season in new surroundings. The old partnership of Jake and Matt was out and the new one of Jon and George was in. There had already been some welcome additions to the Saturday; a successful pilot of post-match interviews in pre-season saw it utilised after the first league match of the season, with some interesting insights from Ash and Dave. There was also the introduction of a mascot, which has not been named yet but it is a rather unsightly toad. Something else that was new was the league that the 4s were playing in; 1 south. This meant that all the teams we play this season will ones we have not played before.
The day could not have started any more shambolically with our oppo, Dorkinians reserves, turning up late and without a kit. Eventually we decided to begin the game with Dorkinians in their t shirts. It made for an interesting first half. After a shaky start having hung around for near enough an hour, Meads began to get a foothold in the game, playing the ball around nicely and creating some openings. The first goal came from Tom who powerfully strode past some challenges before firing a shot low past the keeper from just outside the box.
Despite Meads now having a lead, there were signs that they were not taking Dorkinians seriously enough with some silly mistakes at the back and sure enough a mistake led to their equaliser shortly after. A nice finish giving Jake no chance. Apart from a couple of low shots and counter attacks that Jake dealt with with ease, the oppo were not really troubling us. Ash had started the game well and rattled the inside of the post after a mazy run, he also put the ball on a plate for George with a sumptuous cross but George saw his header go wide. More headers were to be missed in the game, most of which were free and from close range, luckily they were not to matter in the end.
Meads retook the lead after Sam saw a run from Matt and picked him expertly. Matt made a run across inside the box to meet the bouncing ball and as the keeper came out he lobbed him and saw the ball bounce into the roof of the net. 2-1.
Two fizzers from Owen and Tom went wide as Meads continued to see their chances go just wide of the mark. The 2nd half began poorly for Meads who allowed Dorkinians, now in their kit to get back into the game, and they did so when their dangerous winger cut the ball back and it was finished past Jake and Joe, who had very nearly done amazingly to keep the ball out when on the line.
Time passed and Meads continued to search for the winner, more headers were missed and you could see the anxiety creeping into play with a slight loss of composure in possession. Eventually a long throw was half cleared and Owen swivelled and shot low past the keeper but unfortunately a defender was on hand to clear. With a minute left it seemed the game was up. But George, the new man at the top had other ideas and after another scrap inside the box, the ball fell to George at a tight angle and he powered home the bouncing ball into the side netting. Game Won with a minute to go.
A good start to the season, but we could do with putting the game to bed a little earlier next time. MOM went to Sam in central midfield. His composure on the ball was superb and he continued in that manner even when those around him began to panic.
