STARLANDS travelled to CASTLE VALE for the second time in as many weeks.
This week, it was in The Shield and not a League fixture. Following on from last weeks 4-0 defeat, it was always going to be a big ask for the boys to go into this game with any real confidence.
We were missing Jed who was ill, and we wish him a speedy recovery - and the same with Ellis who is off long term with an injury.
JKS were straight at Starlands kicking down the slope. However, Starlands were awake today! and were managing to get in some early blocks - and actually had the Lions share of possession. Starlands were unlucky not to make more of their early possession, and were made to pay for this.
A little bit of skill on the edge of The Starlands box, saw the JKS player drag back the ball and an overzealous challenge felled the striker on the edge of the box. Well, that's how the referee saw it!...Our impartial spectators thought he tripped over the drag back! Nevertheless, this provided JKS with a free kick right on the edge of the box. The Starlands defence were very slow in putting any sort of wall together to protect Ben's goal - and this provided the JKS striker with an open shot at goal. He absolutely powered the ball head height and like a rocket it went through the players into the top corner! a terrific strike and 1-0 against the run of play.
2-0 soon followed when JKS broke and the striker was bearing down on goal...Ben came off his line and saved well from the first attempted shot however, very much like the West Brom goal the other week the ball deflected off the striker without him knowing and into the goal!....
It looked very much like Starlands were going to be on the end of a very heavy defeat...but, the boys refused to give up !...and something amazing was about to take place....Inspired by Kieran,Oscar and Josh in midfield - and no messing defending from Zak and Marcus.
A Starlands corner came out to Marcus on the edge of the box and a drop of the shoulder took him past the defender - he pulled the trigger and BANG! the ball flew into the top of the JKS net - the keeper didnt even move! As Paul Merson would say ." A Worldy! and more importantly a nice little earner for Marcus...Hand over the £5 Mum!
JKS were a little rattled, but were still in the lead - However, when Kieran took possession of the ball just inside the JKS half he put his head down and battled on towards The JKS goal. He went wide but slotted the ball into the net 2-2 !!!! Starlands were back in the match and JKS knew they were in a game.
Then, Starlands took the lead!,,,a long clearance from Ben went to Lewis who initially headed it on and then looped around the defender before smashing it into the net! 3-2 to Starlands....What a turn around.
Half time came - and Starlands had showed great determination and effort. Luke came on for Oscar.
The second half, saw Starlands kick downhill - and it was a shame that the half time break had interrupted their flow.JKS had regrouped and a stern talking to by their manager caused them to increase their efforts.
Ben was making some solid saves - and was catching the ball this week and coming off his line to collect the ball, But he still needs to learn to be more Gobby! (Bit like his Dad?)
Just as the spectators were commenting on his performance, a good clearance was taken by the JKS player. In part due to Starlands allowing the opposition to dominate and get to the ball first, but also standing on the wrong side of the player. JKS broke and a long range shot looked like a routine save for Ben, but the ball managed to go underneath him as he dived and meant the game was all square.
The momentum had swung back to JKS and they were starting to put pressure on Starlands as the game went on. The Starlands boys were slow to react and running out of steam. Ben was called into action making a couple of terrific saves pushing the ball over the bar.
With minutes left, JKS took the lead - and fine initial save by Ben saw The JKS player first to react and Starlands were guilty of not clearing their box. 4-3 and only seconds to play...
The match finished with Starlands applying pressure from Luke and Lewis up front - but to no avail.
On a positive note - Starlands had shown real spirit , they came back and scored 3 more goals than last week.. Well done - still room for improvement.
First goal of the season for Kieran , Earner for Marcus ! Kerching! - and Lewis becomes top scorer with 6
The Man of The Match Trophy was awarded to Ben for some great saves.
