League leaders and old enemies were in town to face off with The Revs. And after the last few weeks The Revs needed a big effort. Unfortunately they also need goals, but this performance was reminiscent of the team spirit from the back end of last season.
The game very much was an arm wrestle, with Myers in superb form between the sticks. However, it has to be said their keeper was also very good on the night and quickly dealt with the many dangers thrown at him.
The Revs were extremely unlucky not to get anything out of this game truth be told. Very early on J. Evans had a looping header from a D. Pinkstone cross that showed intent at the back post. This was followed by D. Pinkstone’s rampaging runs causing mayhem, Steane been a pest and L. Evans using his strength to bust through.
The Revs had chances. More so this week than any other of the previous two games in fact.
And at times there was some sublime football. Little one twos between Steane and J. Evans, one on ones with their keeper, Tyman getting the better of his man and fizzing a ball into the area, L. Evans – still a tad ring rusty – missing a couple of chances from great strength and positioning, but what a hit on their nobhead Leedser - that got the spirits up!
And that was the issue last night. The effort was tip top, the football was at times sublime to watch, the defence from everyone was solid, however the final decision or the final touch just let The Revs down. That was the only thing letting them down.
Steane taking an extra touch from Beardall ball instead of shooting first time or L. Evans shooting first time when he should have taken an extra touch. It was fine margins.
And finally Myers opting to pick the ball up from a P. Pinkstone back pass that lead to the goal. Fine margins.
It was that one goal smashed in from a pass sideways from the resultant free kick that proved the difference. They got that little bit of luck that comes with leading the table that you need sometimes.
Myers more than made up for that error though, tipping shots over the bar, closing down very quickly. He was Pep’s idea of a sweeper keeper for sure!
And as mentioned some of the build-up play was magical, none more so than Beardall’s wonderful shift of the body, dragging the ball with him completely out foxing the defender.
But The Revs needed goals… And when a wonderful ball was played to an unmarked player at the back post everyone held their breath as P.Pinkstone wound up to sky it over the bar. A glorious chance gone but the effort he put in to get up the pitch to connect cannot be underestimated. P. Pinkstone once again proving all game what a rock he is at the back.
So a much better spirit, a better tempo and some wonderful play ensured the lads came off in better spirits but the last word still goes to Matthew Steane, who for the second week running got himself sinbinned. This time for a blatant handball. He’s racking up those discipline points for sure!
But that elusive win is near.
