The second game of the double header started so well but ended up in disappointment for the 4's as a lead was lost and only 3 points taken away from the Memorial Ground. After the first game confidence was high and Meads believed they could finish the day with 6 points.
Possession was retained well in the opening exchanges and Meads looked the stronger side. Any attack by the opposition were being exstinguished easily with Jonathan proving to be a brick wall at the back. Sam had slotted in alongside Jon in the reshuffle, allowing Eric a much deserved rest, and his pace proved valuable as the players began to tire and the game stretch.
Meads opened the scoring halfway through the half when a lovely passing move was finished by Damo. The ball started at left back with Foz and was fed into Ash who turned and played the ball into Ollie, Ollie waited on the ball and Damo made an overlapping run. Damo took the ball in his stride before firing the ball in from the angle into the far corner. Meads 1-0 up and looking comfortable.
Happy to let Old I's have the ball Meads stayed compact in defence and there were no real threats to Jake's goal. Unfortunately the pressure was building and the efforts being exerted in staying positioned defensively would begin to take it's toll. Despite the pressure, Old I's were blunt in attack and it took something special to equalise. A diagonal ball towards the left saw the knock down fall at the striker's feet. He delayed his off load and then layed the ball off to the supporting player who smashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box, 1-1. A 'Carlos Alberto' bobble meant the ball popped up perfectly for the resulting shot.
Half time 1-1.
In the second half Meads had a chance to take the lead once again when the ball broke for Jordan and George in the area. Jordan was running on to it but left it for George, both players unsure as to who was taking it. George took control and cut inside the keeper and had the goal in his sights and begging to be hit, but with a player on the line his poked effort was cleared to safety.
The game was now stretched and there was a lot of space all over the pitch and soon after Meads' best chance Old I's took the lead from a corner. A low drilled corner was fired into the front past where the striker got the better of his marker to head home from close range.
Meads continued to persevere but by now the attacks were losing potency as players tired in the spring sunshine. The game finished 2-1 but there were still some excellent performances. Sam showed great timing with some excellent covering tackles and Foz didn't let up from his first performance. Damo was consistently good in the middle but Jon was the MOM for his imperious display at centre back.
Taking 3 points off the league leaders is no shabby result but after winning the first game there was a tinge of disappointment that the lead was allowed to slip in the 2nd game. Now we can concentrate on the normal 90 minute format for the remaining 3 fixtures and look to take away a good haul of points to move into a comfortable league position.
