In a match postponed from mid November, the A team moved further clear at the top. This was a thrilling game & saw the lads display real character & skill. We started with a changed team from last week following Dan L's departure
From the off Copmanthorpe, who seem to be our bogey team, flew straight into us. This was a strong physical game from the kick-off and two of our players had some fantastic injuries to show off at the end. In an even first half Cop took the lead when two of their players suddenly found themsleves unmarked & acres of space They almoist tripped over themselves in scoring - not a good start from us. Cop certainly seemed keen to try to put one over on us. However we started to pick up and got the ball down & played it about. Certainly, there was goal mouth action at both ends, and teh Cop keeper made one blinding save as we opened up their defence on teh left before Bill let fly with screamer destined for the top corner until their keeper made a flying save, tipping it over. Exciting stuff for the spectatotrs, heart attack material for both sets of coaches! Half time finished at 0-1.
The 2nd half started with a brief foray from Cop before we started to take control. Really, from that point onwards there was only 1 team in it. A tactical switch saw Willo pushed up behind our midfield & that immediateley created pressure on their defence. Cop were pinned back & relied on long clearances & a chase down to try to get out. Pricey read everything & nothing was getting through. We continued to press, launching numerous attacks from both sides & the centre. Their keeper was busy, as was the side netting & a post, their defence was getting a real working over & they blocked everything with gusto. It just seemed that despite the incessant pressure the goal was not going to come, until as Cop managed to push into our half for once, we snaffled the ball up. Willo played it square to Pricey, who played a great ball into Freddy's path. He brought it over the half way line and speared a defence splitting pass onto Bill's toe-end. He calmley latched onto it at pace, drew the keeper & slipped it under his body for a richly deserved equaliser. There was still time to press for a winner but another goal mouth scramble, then a close shave from a corner saw time run out unable to secure the winner our 2nd half display deserved.
A fantastic gutsy perfomance, great character to come back & great swift passing football to apply pressure to the Cop team. A draw was the least the boys deserved. Pricey had another superb game & despite what his mam says, showed improving maturity & ability at the back. His endeavour was followed up in the 2nd game with the team switched about. We secured a win with some free flowing football, especially in the first half of the 2nd game. We started to loose our shape somewhat as tiredness crept in, but a great team peformance.
