So here we are the return of Sam Buckle, playing for Caythorpe (a small team in Lowdham!). Right from the start we knew we would have our work cut out from a side that always carries a lot of pace.
The match started pretty even, with Caythorpe probably edging the play, making good use of the wings to put pressure on the Plumtree defence. Captain CK put a reducer in on Caythorpe's number 9 early, just to let him know there were no obvious hard feelings about him leaving the mighty Gladbach. Following a period of containing the pressure Plumtree started to move the ball well, strong in the tackle and started to make use of the wings. Simon continued his excellent recovery from injury, tormenting the Caythorpe right back as well as linking up well with Matt upfront. It was a Simon run that resulted in throwing that Dean was able to launch into the area. The ever dangerous Ryan climbed highest to nick the ball into the back of the net claiming a well deserved lead for Plumtree.
The second half was a superb display all over the park. The defence were strong as ever limiting the Caythorpe strikers to long range efforts and when they did manage to get through, the brilliant (but pissed!) Roscoe was more than a match. Ryan and Dean were absolutely solid in the middle of the park, winning every header and linking up the play superbly. This allowed Chris and Simon plenty of ball time to drive for another goal. Chris whose distribution had been excellent all game managed to play the ball into Brando in the box following another team move, Brando turned on a six pence and clouted the ball into the top corner.
You could see the Caythorpe’s lad’s heads drop at this point and although they put on a good attempt, Plumtree were always in control. We could have easily had a few more before the game was out if it wasn't for the Caythorpe keeper who was excellent on the day. First he made a reaction save from Paul Gray heading from a Chris corner, pushing the ball onto the cross bar and bouncing on the line only to be cleared. Simon also made a great run into the box following a quickly taken throwing from Ryan and blasted a shot that seemed destined for the back of the net, only for the keeper to once again dive superbly to push wide for another corner.
Once again as last week, each and every player put in a shift today, a fantastic team display that is going to be so important as we run into the end of the season. Man of the match goes to Ryan who basically won everything, and of course got that all important fist goal at the right time.
Well done lads, once again a very proud management team.
