The Revs were struggling for numbers. Injuries, work shifts, baby arrivals and retirements are all taking their toll on the numbers each week.
Just tell yourself, it will get better... ride it out and we will have the numbers once more...
The Revs drafted in newbie Chris Coup as back-up keeper. A former 11aside player so hopes were high. However during the warm up there were some pea rollers slipping through and hitting the back of the net. It did not bode well...
It's safe to say a warm up is just that though and Chris gave a good account of himself. He clearly knows the game, moved the ball quick, had a great first touch and got us going in attack on many occasions throughout the game. A very enabled and willing back up indeed. And also Gaz's new football crush!
It was a shame for Chris that his first taste of Revs action was against a former top flight side aiming to get back up on the first go. They had two very good players and then two very quick players as back up. Even their tubby Asian lad possessed a great touch and vision!
So The Revs were peppered and over ran and a little shell shocked as to how the opposition started. It was fair to say there was not one shot on target of note in that first half.
Lewis was doing all he could upfront but was very isolated and so started dropping deeper and deeper and Phil was doing his best to thwart the opposition and get under their skin. But it was all in vain as HT came and The Revs were 4-0 down.
The team talk was all about winning the smaller battles now. Earning some pride back, getting some shots off at goal and keeping possession for longer.
To start with the Evans brothers swapped roles and this started opening up the opposition as link up play from Evans Senior with teammates were finally affording The Revs some chances.
Dave P was enjoying the wide play and had opportunities to stretch his legs down the wing and give the opposition something to think about. Lewis now in midfield could use his strength to great effect and Gaz was enjoying the freedom to roam forward knowing Chris would pick him out. Things were coming together and The Revs played some very good football at times.
Meanwhile Phil was marshaling at the back and communicating well with his keeper and even getting time on the ball himself.
The chances soon started flowing. Evans Senior with a few great chances that the keeper managed to scramble away - all on target too I'll have you know! Evans Junior linked up well and was denied by the keeper also and Davey P was starting to have fun cutting in and unleashing the shot. The Revs even came close from a corner whipped in by Lewis which Dave was denied at close range.
Unfortunately the damage was done in the first half and a goal never came for all The Revs efforts with the match ending 4-0.
The opposition even congratulated The Revs on a battle well fought in the second half, a certain amount of pride was restored.
These guys will be challenging near the top end of the table I am sure, as for The Revs they just have to keep plugging away, hope for numbers to return and carry on evading Father Time's outstretched hand...
