This whole match report thing is getting quite annoying at the moment, mainly down to the 4s experiencing the worst run this team has gone through since myslef and Jake took over the reins. At least Saturday saw a better performance and a better atmosphere on the pitch. The game ended 1-0 after an unfortunate mistake in the first half by Jake as he dropped the ball from a high cross and the Manorians striker nipped in and bundled the ball over the line. Meads deserved something from the game in what was a very even affair.
The first half began well for Meads, playing the ball around nicely with George doing brilliantly at running the line and bringing players into play. Despite some early dominance we never really threatened the keeper, some crosses were dealt with and the balls through cleared up by their centre backs. Maybe due to our recent form we began to play more direct and perhaps started hitting the front men a bit early as we got frustrated at our lack of incision. Unfortunately this meant we were playing straight balls to straight runs, the easiest thing for a centre back to deal with. When the balls/runs were more diagonal we were getting a lot more joy as it shifted their defence and gave them more to think about.
At the back the defence was largely untroubled with the ever consistent Andy complimenting Sam in the middle of defence. As a combination they stayed on top of a talented strikeforce and only once did they break free only for Sam to make a recovery challenge as the striker dithered when through on goal. If any team was going to take the lead, although hardly banging at the door, Meads looked the more likely. As half time approached Manorians took the lead after another defensive mistake allowed the striker to poke home from a yard. It is clear for the whole team that individual mistakes need to be eradicated if we are to halt this slide in form and unfortunately this mistake was the only difference between the teams after 90 minutes.
Meads were downhearted but by no means beaten as the half time whistle blew. The problem with being on a bad run is that confidence is shot a lot easier and there was palpable tension as we gathered at half time.
The 2nd half began and Manorians began to control the game, moving the ball around quickly and using thier pace to good affect. Chances remained few and far between but both sides hit the post. First the Manorians striker headed back across goal but his header went off the outside of the post and then at the other end the ball looped up in the box and Joe lined up an audacious volley. His technique was superb and as he flew through the air and performed some sort of acrobatic routine he struck the ball with venom whilst completely airborne but his shot cannonned off the outside of the post.
The game then took an unexpected twist when Ash, filling in ably as a left back for Dave, went in for a challenge with their massive right back. Ash stayed on his feet, the opposite full back didnt and he paid the price. Although he got the ball his foot then followed through over the ball, smashing into Ash's ankle. The ref called him over and we thought it would be a yellow and off we go but then he raised the red card citing 'excessive force'. Unfortunately Ash was unable to continue so we went down to 10 men as well as the opposition, having already brought on our solitary sub.
The game then went up and down without too much action and Meads left the pitch with another bout of disappointment. Lessons to be learnt?? Kev is right when he says that we need to improve massively as a team when we dont have possession of the ball. In our current predicament we cannot afford to be playing fancy dan football when work rate and simplicity are the order of the day. Even if we have numbers back we need to make sure we get as many back as possible to make us compact and hard to play through. Now is the time to get back to basics and show some mental strength to get us out of this spiral. The cup next week will hopefully prove to be the perfect tonic as we look to take our minds off our faltering league campaign.
MOM went to Andy for his typically assured display in defence. He dealt with all that Manorians could throw at him, both aerially and on the deck and showed why he is a vital part of the team.
