Today, Starlands were handed an early blow when Ben the regular goalkeeper had to cry off sick.
Kieran as usual stepped up to the plate - and was hoping to repeat his performance when he last filled in for Ben - having been awarded Man of The Match.
This was Starlands first plate game - having been knocked out of The Cup - They find themselves in a league with Chasetown , Four Oaks Tigers and Castle Vale JKS.
Today, should have been one of the easier games for Starlands and a win was a must to progress in The Plate Competition - having to play Four Oaks Tigers next week who have already well beaten Starlands.
The Starlands team set up with Kieran in goal, the usual Zak & Marcus in defence, with Jed,Josh,Ellis in midfield and Oscar up front.
Starlands started well, they had alot of the ball and some good early pressure - but, unfortunately the luck does not seem to go with the boys.
Scholars managed to get a corner. The Starlands boys were set up - but the sun was shining brightly into the goalkeepers eyes -and at the far post was a Scholar lurking. The corner was crossed in with pace and height and almost went in directly!...the ball landed for the Scholar player to tuck it away unmarked.
1-0 down and against the play.
Marcus from the off was everywhere!...he was defending, setting up attacks and back tracking! he was everywhere!
Kieran had listened to what he had been told and was coming off his line well and callign for the ball. He made a superb point blank save!
Ellis was linking in well with Jed and Oscar who were turning and doing tricks - and playing some one touch passes. However, it was just not happening for the boys.
Josh was getting into the right places - but just needed a bit of encouragement from the sidelines to keep going. A few of the boys just give up a little easily and need the spirit and determination of Jed, Oscar and Marcus. The others have the skills - They just need the work rate.
Just before half time, Marcus went on a mazy run from defence. he kept going and going and going...before slipping the ball through to Oscar who scored!
1-1 - It was no more than Starlands deserved - they had two earlier shots just go over the cross bar from Oscar and Marcus.
Kieran was kicking out of his hands well, and made one save leaping like a salmon to the top corner!
The second half, changes were made and on came Lewis and Luke.
Scholars were looking dangerous on the break - they had two quick forwards who knew how to cross a ball - and Starlands were finding themselves in trouble.
Kieran made a fine save to prevent an own goal from Zak who headed a ball from a corner towards his own net.
Marcus had another long range shot blocked by Oscar! Ouch! All this Starlands pressure was for nothing as Scholars broke away and with one cross splitting the defence and unmarked winger slotted home past a helpless Kieran. 2-1
Starlands were just becoming a little slow to close down the Scholars players when they were in possession and were slow to clear the ball from their own box.
Another fine cross resulted in a third goal.
Starlands Boys did not give up - and Luke & Lewis were making their presence felt.
A lovely ball from Zak to Oscar resulted in him threading the ball through to Lewis who twisted and turned the keeper. The back of the net beckoned...he shot and it was goal bound!....only for the Scholars No.10 to appear from nowhere to clear the ball off the line! Noooooooooooooooooo!!!!
And so the match finished 3-1 to Scholars. Not the ideal start to The Plate Competition - However, there were some encouraging signs.
The boys are looking for a pass , they are starting to shoot and they do not give up. Marcus richly deserved Man of The Match for a tremendous effort! a real example to his team mates. Kieran had another great stand in performance making some good saves.
Next week Starlands face a tough task against the well drilled professional Four Oaks Tigers. Plenty of effort will be required to keep pace with them for the whole match...but, let's not forget - Norwich beat Man Utd this weekend and West Bromwich are in the Top 4!!!!!......YOU CAN DO IT BOYS!!!
