It transpired after the game that the views from off the pitch and on the pitch were very different on Saturday when the league leaders, albeit having played more than anyone else, turned up to Riverside Lands. Glyn Old Boys were well drilled and were comfortable in their positioning, undoubtedly a result of training together. The differing views come the superiority of Glyn Old Boys as a team over the 4s. Whilst they kept the ball well, they hardly troubled Tim throughout the game with the majority of chances falling to Meads. This can be attributed to Meads, however, rather than any deficiencies in Glyn Old Boys. Meads played a controlled game throughout, only faltering when they conceded late on. The issue, as a couple of weeks ago against Economicals, was a lack of real chances on the back of our good play.
Meads were surprised by Glyn's start and were caught by a couple of quick attacks that materialised into nothing. After that though Meads found their footing. Jose, Sam and Tommy were all dangerous going forward and Kev and Luke were providing a platform for Owen to have a bit more freedom. All this was on top of a fautless display from the manager for the day, Jon, who mopped up everything with a dominating display in the air. To make sure he doesn't get too upset by a lack of a mention Joe also played well at centre back!
Meads were maybe unlucky not to take the lead in the first half when Owen shot wide on a couple of occassions, Jose was called offside when through on goal and Sam saw a well struck shot go over the bar. One of the big moments was when Tommy dispossessed their keeper outside of the box but it was called a foul despite no protestations from the opposition. Although a goal was not a certainty, with Tommy in form and only a defender to beat from 20 yards out with an open goal, the result to me was not in doubt. Apart from a fairly comfotable save for Tim from a shout outside the box, Meads were untroubled. Although Meads had the better of the chances, none of them were clear cut and the game was finely balanced at half time.
Meads knew that more of the same would result in a positive result if only they could convert one of the chances that fell their way. This game was going to be settled by a goal either way. Chances continued to come at a premium. A header from Jon was tipped over the bar and another header across goal was not followed up by anyone. Meads' clearest chance came late on when Jose could not connect with a header from close range. He was also unlucky not to have a clear run on goal when he was cynically fouled by the last man. At this level, you cannot expect anything more than a freekick though and so it turned out with Meads gaining little advantage from the resultant freekick.
The game was to be decided in the 75th minute when Glyn midfielder found himself with time to spare from 25yds out and he curled an effort past time into the bottom corner. The goal kind of shot Meads who had been working hard for 75 minutes and deserved to get something from the game. With time running out, Meads could not muster any more meaningful chances and the game finished 1-0.
Attention turns to the cup now though with a massive semifinal game at home to Economicals IVs who will be looking for revenge after we knocked them out last year. MOM went to Jonathan for a huge game at the back. Joe got a couple of sympathy votes and Sam got one for a tireless display upfront.
Bring on next week!!!!
