Report submitted by Coach Cooper! The first 10 minutes was a complete change from previous weeks. The boys normally start very slowly but on this occasion they started at a great pace and rarely let the opposition get near our area. Although we weren't passing the ball well, we were closing down and playing it over the top so their defenders had to turn and chase back. We took the lead after about 7 minutes, after Reece saw his shot saved by the keeper and Kyle followed up to tap it into the net. From there we should have maintained the tempo but we allowed Broomfield back into the match and they started to dominate possession. We were quite slow to mark and became a bit sloppy in not retaining posession. Broomfield equalised when they scored with a looping shot from outside the area that went over Ross' head and then took the lead from a corner when the ref gave the goal as the ball appeared to be over the line from a shot but not everyone was sure. We went in 2-1 down at the break, and deservedly so. Aaron and Baz were playing as well as we've seen this season for power and determination and they held it together as we struggled for a bit. At half-time the boys knew they hadn't been at their best and after a few wise words from Jeff they began the second half as they had the first. Reecey was now controlling the ball and laying it off and Batesy was making more of those runs down the right wing. The back four looked more stable and we started to play as a unit and not as individuals. Within 5 minutes we had equalised, with a superb free-kick from Aaron from outside the area. A beautiful shot curled into the top corner, reminiscent of Tony in his playing days!!! (George - Chris' dad - told me to let Reecey take it as he had a better shot that Aaron. I bet him 50p that Aaron would score - and he still hasn't paid up!!!) After this, the boys were transformed. They started passing and moving and soon got a third when Batesy followed up after another save by their keeper and tucked it home. 3-2 and the boys were playing well. Although Broomfield tried to attack, it was mainly on the counter, and although there were a few scrambles our overall strength and determination was far greater. A fourth goal followed when Aaron followed up after a defensive mix up and steered it low into the corner. All the boys played well - it was too close to call so there was only room for two substitutions - Ross for Kyle and Finbar for Joe. As mentioned to the boys, it is very much a squad game and there will be opportunities but as the games become closer then tough decisions have to be made. MoM was Aaron, slightly ahead of Baz, because of his 2 goals, but they were both superb. A great result ended with the boys receiving their new kits - a perfect end to a great day.
