This weekend - was Jed's Birthday, and what better way to cap it with The Starlands first win of the season!
Ben injured his hand in the warm up - Following some fierce shooting by The Starlands Boys. They meant business!
The game kicked off - with some delightful play by Starlands. It was like another team!.... finally all the hard work and advice given by Rick & Rob seemed to be paying off.
The boys were looking to play the ball to feet and into space - It was great to watch and resulted in a couple of early chances for Kieran & Co. up front.
Castle Vale had managed to get a 0-0 draw against Four Oaks Tigers - and having lost 7-0 to them - Starlands had to be at their best.
It was certainly the best performance from alot of players - Ellis was playing some lovely passes to the feet of Oscar and linking with Marcus well.
Oscar was his usual terrier self - getting up and down the pitch.
Zak - looks more assured in the heart of defence every week. Never flustered, and always reading the game well.
Kieran was a presence up front and had a couple of little runs on goal - just failing to get that elusive goal.
However, Josh who was playing up front latched onto a lovely ball from Kieran and Josh smashed it into the corner at an acute angle 1-0 Starlands had taken the lead. Great Goal!!!!!
Castle Vale No.8 was looking good on the ball, and on a couple of occassions he dribbled his way through only to be blocked.
On time, Ben came off his line - but was beaten, however the ball struck the post and ran along the goal line to be cleared by Marcus. Phew! Luck was on Starlands side for once.
The 1st half finished 1-0 to Starlands.
It was a close competitive game - and Castle Vale had their fair share of chances but the Starlands Boys were playing as a team and battling! tackles and last ditch blocks helping Ben to keep a clean sheet. The midfield of Luke , Josh and Lewis all put in 100% today.
Birthday boy Jed game on - and was keeping the ball upfront helped by Lewis - and taking some of the pressure of the defence. Ellis was having a great game tracking back and marking the spare man on the edge of the box.
A couple of time Lewis was unlucky not to break free with the ball - just getting tangled with the last defender.
Castle Vale were pushing on and looking for the equaliser, however Starlands were always likely to counter attack with purpose.
Lewis had a speculative long range strike - the keeper dived and the ball hit his chest and bounced up high!...It agonisingly fell behind him and gave Starlands their second goal! Great effort Lewis.
The second goal - gave the boys a buffer zone and they managed to see out the rest of the game.
A richly deserved first win for Starlands which lifts them off the bottom of the League almost to mid table. Well done.
A great clean sheet which all of the team especially the defence - can take credit for.
Man of The Match was awarded to Ben in goal. ( Bravely coming off his line! )
