History will show a score line of 3-1 and think it was a one sided affair for The Revs. This was not the case though. Yes, they were the better side – they had youth, speed and skill, but The Revs had heart, determination and guts!
The last few weeks has seen a renewed faith, a willing to work for every ball, loose pass and last night was no different.
The Revs even started the brighter with a ball over the top from Lewis, perfectly cushioned by James after deceiving the defender only to be closed down by the keeper. Anything they threw at The Revs was dealt with by Tyman and Phil and Matty back in goal didn’t look like he was going to be beaten. The opposition had to resort to long range efforts such was the stout defending.
Only one moment cost The Revs in the first half – a pass out from Matty saw it cut out and and a thunderous shot left him with no chance. So a Revs mistake lead to the opener.
But still The Revs came forward, playing some very enterprising stuff. James turned his defender inside out and Tyman latched onto the short pass, but the keeper pulled off a tremendous save to deny the equaliser. A period of sustained pressure followed but the breakthrough could not be found.
Tyman once again had a shot palmed out from the keeper into the path of James who could not have placed his shot any other place than bottom corner but the keeper was quick to his feet to block for a corner. That was 3 clear chances already but no breakthrough. But heads didn’t drop. Half time came and words of encouragement were said. Go out and do the same, the breakthrough will come.
However, less than a minute into the 2nd half, James tracked his runner down the flank, with a striker in the middle waiting for the ball. James had no choice but to cut out the cross but unfortunately he pinged it into his own goal past a helpless Matty to give them a fortunate 2 nil lead. Two mistakes leading to two goals. Life is unfair at times.
Although it has to be said, it was a crisp finish from the captain!
However, The Revs still played their football out from the back and they still pressured the opposition. They were certainly not out of this game.
Then finally the breakthrough after great pressure from the entire team hounding their keeper into a mistake. He tried slotting a pass down the middle but it was pounced on by James, who rode the tackle of the opposition player to slot home in off the post. Two good finishes from the captain! More importantly it was 2-1 and The Revs sensed a repeat of the 2-2 draw last time out against Goosey Goals.
Tyman was throwing his head and body at everything, Dave P was tracking up and down the pitch relentlessly and Lewis was rampaging through the middle. The opposition were being out fought for every ball. And if they managed a breakthrough Phil was there to clear up with several defensive headers.
There were still moments when the ball was being unceremoniously pinged up and about but The Revs scrambled and battled to clear any signs of danger.
Lewis was getting joy down the flanks down, being played in at every opportunity. He produced one cross of note that whipped round two defenders, but James could not get the final touch with only the keeper to beat.
Eventually they broke once again after a period of Revs possession and got the third which essentially killed the game. However The Revs were always just a cock hair from a goal themselves. Lewis’ square ball to Phil just been played in behind. James long range effort that was blocked by a defender and Tyman stretching for the rebound and finally Phil finding himself on the end of a Lewis cross that he tried to sweep in.
It was a truly valiant effort by all involved and the lads came off knowing they had played their part and given it 100%. You can’t ask for more than that. Continue to put in those kind of performances and The Revs will be hard to beat once again.
Well played lads! Very proud performance and no one let themselves down.
