Kings FC walked into the game on a bit of a good run! They had piled in the goals over the last few games and were steam rolling up the table after a sticky start to life in the lower division. They were quick, relentless and could play football. Even their average players were better than most average players. The Revs needed to be at their very best for this.
Unfortunately they weren’t at their very best in facets of the game. There was denying their willingness to run, chase shadows, block shots and generally defend. That part worked well. Going forward was a rarity though and a completed pass in the first half, even rarer. Captain Evans didn’t complete a single pass in that first half, woeful.
But for all the opposition’s possession and flair the teams went into half time level at 0-0. This was in large to an exceptional performance from Myers though. He was quick off his line, spotted danger early, read the game really well and thwarted everything the opposition threw at him, including one amazing save, tipping the ball round the corner, when one on one.
Half time was all about continuing the hard work, soaking up the pressure and hopefully hitting on the counter as an opportunity would arise.
And opportunities did arise in the second half. Unfortunately execution on this occasion was left wanting from a usually deadly striker point. Hartrick twice beating the opposition to the ball using strength and skill but twice blazing over the bar and out of the cage. But at least opportunities were been made.
However the opposition finally got their goal. They had been banging on the door to be fair. Myers threw a quick ball out to Tyman who was slow to react as the opposition jumped in and stole a march and that average player I mentioned was put through and finished between the legs of Myers. That goal kind of took the wind out of the sails of The Revs and once again had to batten down the hatches as wave after wave of attack came their way.
Once again Myers was in fine form to stop everything.
Things settled once more and The Revs did pick themselves up and start playing football. A lovely move saw the ball played across the pitch several times and Dave Pinkstone on the end of a shot that scooped up by the keeper. A long range effort from Hartrick was hit with a bit of venom that was too hot for the keeper but there was no reaction from The Revs for the follow up.
That was pretty much the tale of the tape. The Revs always second best to the follow up.
Late on a corner was whipped in from Evans and Dave Pinkstone was unlucky not to connect as he ran to the near post, but the half clearance was gobbled up quickly byt the counter attack and before anyone knew it there was a three on one situation and a goal to make it 2-0.
The game, with still a few minutes to go, was essentially over at this point. Not even a Messi-esque dribble up the pitch by Evans could get the team back into it. I mean the shot was well blocked anyway and a pass could have been on, but Evans’ passing was suspect at best, although his shooting was equally as dodgy!
Kings FC were in the top flight last term and you could tell. The full tricks were out on display and they were quick off the mark and quick to the second ball. The Revs were not quite at the races and spent most of the game in their own half defending for their lives. The positives though, they have been putting 4, 5, 9 goals past teams recently, so 2-0 was a good work out for all.
