Back in to the fray…
After a long winter break we are back in the thick of the action, this time in a cup match against maybe our biggest competitors for the league.
With a 1-0 win away against the sharks already under our belt we knew we could match them but were also aware they gonna be dangerous opponents.
After the Christmas break and in freezing conditions we managed to field a good but drastically changed team.
The game started well despite the difficult conditions, in the early part of the game Sharks number 10 played in the hole and caused a few problems but us, but thankfully the other midget forward was useless and never really looked like scoring. In fact Midgets only major contribution to the game was a clash turning his back going for a header resulting in a clash of head with Views Captain levi, that required him leave the pitch and have his gashed eye bandaged up so he could continue playing.
The chances were pretty even in the first half with sharks failing to convert the openings they made even if they were mostly restricted to efforts from range again .
Stand in Centre half Jay Roberts done well to organise and keep the shape by continuously instructing his teammates, and with fullbacks Stuart and Antony making crucial and hard challenges all over the pitch it was gonna be hard for the Sharks to score.
View also failing to fully exploit the openings that were presented but looked dangerous despite not being able to keep up the continual pressure like they are use to and seemed to lack the physical presents of Philippe.
Aaron Brady and Pete combined well in spells and Pete was unlucky after a good interchange left him with a run on goal only for a rushed effort to go wide from 20 yards out.
The lively Aaron Brady moved on to the right wing and Aaron Munnery pushed further forward as Brady had looked dangerous and full of running and needed to be in the game more, this tactical change proved inspirational as Brady won the free kick that he delivered to the near post and where Levi slipped his marker for an easy header with 30 minuets gone.
Sharks pushed forward more after the goal couldn’t find their rhythm and with one notable half chance put comfortable over the bar the half ended.
The second half was more open and sharks played higher up the pitch hoping to put the pressure on but it never really worked as their final ball we lacking quality and when it did squirm through either Sharks finishing was woeful.
View’s game improved with the arrival of Dave King at the back allowing Jay Roberts to push in to midfield and Troy Martin moved on to the right wing and Brady being moved to striker again.
Sharks still had not given up and their shooting improved in the second half and they managed to get their efforts on target, only for the View Keeper to Darren to reproduce the fine saves he has made in previous matches and keep Views clean sheet intact.
With Brady upfront Jay Roberts Sr was able to get in the game more, whipping in good ball from the left wing and powerful direct running gave more View a new dimension to this game. Robbie was also livelier in the second half tackling well and braking up play with Mike Patrick. Who seemed to have struggled in the first half. However Mike his quality with a couple of decent runs. Troy also played lots better then he has played in other games and came close-ish to scoring at the death.
With Sharks keeper up for a corner troy found himself on the half way line with an empty net in front of him, unfortunately Troy’s 50 yard attempt did not have the legs on it and Sharks were able to recover. It was unfortunate as Troy deserved a goal after his neat play and hard work on the wing allowed View to gain momentum in the second half.
Inconsistent officiating made the game hard to play for both teams and if Sharks had not been such a nice bunch of lads the game could have ended in a brawl.
Special mentions:
Troy Martin: the best game yet by far, showed good work rate, commitment in the tackle and finesse when required, I hope this troy shows up every week.
Dave King: the defence is not the same without him.
Brady: made the difference today winning and delivering free kick that proved to decisive
A good match played by all and semi final here we come.
