On a sunny sunday morning - Starlands hosted another home game against Elford.
The team were without Jed ( out with a knee injury) and Lewis ( who has had to leave due to distance.) ....
Elford beat us TWICE last year 4-1 on BOTH occassions, so today would be a good test to see how we had progressed.
From the off Starlands were by far the better side and numerous chances fell to Aran who could not find the back of the net, much to the relief of his Dad!...who may well regret the goal bonus he offered. ( or was it me?...)
Nevertheless, you have got to be ' in it to win it'....and he certainly was.
Callum continues to be the heart of the team, and without his industry and effort the boys could be in trouble. He works his socks off every week. Lesson to be learnt by some of the others.
Oscar is another who never gives up on a lost cause - and was linking well with ' BP' - but, despite their efforts Starlands could not get enough players in the box.
Last week Josh had a terrific game , no hands on hips and plenty of effort. This week, he seemed a little off the boil. There were flashes of skill - but when the ball was lost - no determination to win it back.
Marcus - was back to his best, and although still struggling with the off side rule - was continually sweeping at the back. All he was missing was a broom ;) a Captains performance.
Zak, reads the game well - but lacks a little aggression into the tackle.He made some timely interceptions today and played through some nice passes to set up Kieran in attack with BP and Luke.
Luke played at left back for part of the game - not his usual position, but must have learnt from WBA yesterday because he played his part in the second clean sheet of the season.
Kieran had a toe poke saved.
BP was unlucky to have the ball taken off his boot by a team mate who blazed wide...when it seemed destined he would score his 2nd Starlands goal.
Callum, did get the ball in the net only for it to be called OFF SIDE. ...Unlucky,
As the game progressed Starlands always looked like they might get caught on the break - and if it wasnt for some great defending by MARCUS, ZACK AND OSCAR they might have undeservedly lost.
Ben K in goal was never really called into action - he had to come off his line a few times to collect - and saved from crosses and shots outside the box. However, what was pleasing was his calling for the ball and kicking out of hand....and another clean sheet !
The game finished 0 - 0 , a fair reflection really, but I still think the boys were unlucky not to have put Elford to the sword in the first half.
IF Starlands can get 1 or 2 goals in the first half, they WILL WIN plenty of games this season. If they dont WORK on their FITNESS and EFFORT then opposition teams may take advantage in the second halves.
Well done boys, and well done to Marcus for a MAN of THE MATCH PERFORMANCE.
