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Double Trouble for the Cubs but Reds Pay the Penalty…
Two great games today as the Reds returned to winning ways with a cup and league double-header against a very good Consett Cubs team. After recent illness, the squad was back to full strength and gave not just one but two really good performances.
A daft penalty shoot-out in the middle couldn’t take the shine off a couple of great matches. The Reds’ passing and movement is getting better and better. The lads are playing as a team with all the players working really hard and making light work of the muddy conditions at a sunny but cold Monkton Stadium.
The League, the Cup, winning, drawing, losing, it’s all part of football. So don’t worry about the penalties lads, there will be other competitions in future. As South Shields very own Joe McElderry sang on the X-Factor tonight,
It's the Circle of LifeAnd it moves us allThrough despair and hopeThrough faith and loveTill we find our placeOn the path unwindingIn the CircleThe Circle of Life
The ‘Cup’
The Reds starting line-up had goalkeeper Alex looking to continue where he had left off last week with some great work between the posts. In front of Alex, Jordan and Lewis Ireland teamed up to continue their outstanding defending. In the middle, Adam Elstob on the right, Robert in the centre and Jack on the left with Harry playing up front. The super subs were Lewis Keenan, Taylor and the excellent Adam Wardle.
An early chance came from a great Adam Elstob tackle in midfield who then passed to Jack. Venturing into the penalty area, Jack’s shot flew narrowly past the post this time. Next it was Robert’s turn to show how it’s done. Taking possession of the ball he passed well to Jack who slipped the ball to Harry but the shot was well saved by the keeper. The Reds were knocking on the door!
Then a dangerous ball into the area from Harry on the right saw the Reds desperately trying to get on the end of it. The ball bobbled in the area with the Vipers’ pressure being too much and the ball ended up in the back of the net for an early lead to the Viper Reds, 1-0.
Now it was Captain Marvel’s turn to show exactly what Gary, John and Jimmy mean when they say that if you practise and practise then you’ll get rewarded.
A decent enough long range shot from Robert saw the keeper take the ball well but uh-oh, the ball gets cleared straight back to Robert’s feet. Not needing to be asked twice, the tried and tested Thompson Thunderbolt was unleashed yet again and the ball rocketed into the bottom left hand corner. What does that lad have for breakfast? 2-0.
Two unbelievable passing moves then saw Robert and Jack combine on the right forcing a further good save from the Consett keeper and then Robert and Harry combined to put in a wicked ball across the goal. Adam Elstob was millimetres away from getting on the end of it as he burst dangerously into the area. Good effort Adam and great teamwork Reds!
The Consett attacks were being well defended by the fantastic and ever reliable Jordan and Lewis Ireland. Showing good support, the midfield were also on hand with good tackling. Jack seemed to be everywhere and was unlucky to have a goal ruled out following a tremendous effort to get to the ball in front of the keeper. Great work Jack!
Further attacks from the Reds were unrewarded. Half-time score, 2-0.
The second-half saw Taylor, Lewis Keenan and Adam Wardle come on. The balance of play continued with more Viper attacks but when Consett did get forward Alex produced a great save. Alex was obviously determined to keep a clean sheet if not clean boots, socks, shorts and top that by now were covered in mud from all that excellent diving about!
A great run from Harry then saw a ball from the right that either Lewis Keenan or Jack could have got to. Lewis made sure he was on the end of it to neatly tuck the ball away with a very well taken finish. Good goal Lewis! 3-0.
A good in-swinging corner from Jack saw Harry with a clever flick of the ball at the near post. Although a Consett defender got the last touch, the ball was over the line, 4-0.
A thoroughly deserved victory to the Vipers but well done to the Cubs who went on to win the penalty shoot-out with some really well taken spot-kicks.
The Reds participation in the Cup was just like the Cubs coach’s shorts: brief but memorable.
Well done Lads!
Final Score: 4-0
Gary’s Man of the Match: Alex Capstick
John’s Man of the Match: Robert Thompson
