Today's match on Bonfire weekend was away to League leaders Cannock.
Starlands lost 7-1 on the opening game of the season to Cannock and judging by Cannocks recent results it was going to be a tough ask for The boys- however, as usual they were up for it and raring to go!
But, Starlands were soon 1-0 down following a great double save from Ben,but the third rebound was just one too many and from point blank range too .
2-0 quickly followed - a Cannock throw led to a great goal - the striker bearing down on goal ,Ben came out to narrow the angle but the striker hit it into the top corner!
Then Starlands had their chance, Kieran was putting himself about up front with great tenacity breaking up play and giving the midfield dynamo of non stop Oscar and Jed the opportunity to play some lovely linking passes which nearly resulted in a goal.
This was followed by a lovely one two between Oscar & Marcus on the edge of the box - Marcus shot skimmed past the outside of the post and went out for a goal kick.
Soon after Oscar jumped up into a tackle - the Cannock player passed it under him and this led to a break - but Jed tracked back to block the ball over the bar. Immediately,yet another Cannock shot and save on the near post by Ben.
Then followed a barrage of shots and saves ! Starlands were still in this game. Thanks to some great defending by Zak and Marcus - but like Ben they are getting plenty of practice!
Rick then instructed Ben to kick the goal kicks down the middle - this did not sit right with Ben, but following his instructions - the ball was returned immediately by Cannock and required him to make another save! Who'd be a coach ;)
A poor clearance from the Starlands defence - resulted in a goal - an uncustomary mistake by Ben who failed to pick up the ball preferring to kick off the ground resulting in him scooping it to the Cannock on rushing forward who buried the gift making it 3-0
A great Cross by Cannock was then glanced off a Cannock boot at the back post for 4-0.
The 2nd half started encouragingly with Jed bearing down on goal he was cynically taken down which resulted in a penalty. Marcus on his parental goal
bonus was keen to step up and scored with a rocket of a penalty making it 4-1. Sure he'll share the proceeds with the other boys at the end of the season?! or maybe Mum could increase the bonus???!
Save after save was being made by Ben , making amends for earlier.At least four one on ones were thwarted.
Lewis , Josh and Luke were playing their part this half and Starlands were looking the stronger team for a while.
However, once again a little 5 minute loss of concentration and lack of luck resulted in Cannock taking control.
A few opportunities to clear balls were not made , the Cannock player turned instinctively and hit it goal bound from just infront of goal, 5-1
Then Cannock tried a power shot from the edge of the box - Which was tipped over bar by Ben .
Ben then came off his line and made another save, the ball broke to Luke who under pressure kept going against 3 Cannock players. Eventually his persistence paid dividends and he cleared the ball down the line. A great display of effort to the other boys of what can be achieved when you don't give up, well done Luke!
6-1 was soon upon Starlands, a breakaway by Cannock and a lovely square ball to an unmarked striker free to tap in at the back post.Great team goal.
7-1 followed a goal mouth scramble - nobody getting back with heads dropping at this point.
The whistle blew for full time. Starlands can be proud of their efforts. Cannock are a quality team , well drilled and full of running.
Man of the match went to Ben for the second week running.
Well done boys! You won't have a harder match this season! Keep going and don't give up!
