After The Easter break Starlands returned to winning ways gaining revenge with a win over Brereton.6-2, that included two very different HATRICKS from two different lads who have hit form at just the right time....and the surprising thing is neither walked away with The Man of The Match award which probably tells you just how well the boys performed as a team...even without Callum there.
Firstly thanks to The Brereton Dad who kindly stepped up to referee after we were let down at the last minute.
Despite our best efforts we could only arrange for a referee for Matts team !?....our Manager Rick bottled it ...Claiming an old War wound would prevent him from keeping up with play !....and with no Rob CLATTENBERG ....It left Rick worried that Dean might be a bit cavalier with his substitutes....so we begged the opposition to referee the game. I ve got to say what a fine job he did too! Ask him next week ?
Now, back to the match....if I miss anybody out...I apologise. EVERY BOY deserves a mention for a fine team performance.
Starlands were under pressure from the very start. A quickly taken corner powered into the box was not cleared, needless to say a bullet shot hit the back of the net to make it 1-0 to the visitors and only a minute played. There were a few worried faces amongst the Starlands supporters.
Starlands were quick to respond with a cross from Azza zipping across the face of the goal but no Starlands player making the run to get on the end of it...a chance gone begging.
Not to worry because the equaliser was only minutes away ...when a pass to Marcus who was playing in midlfield saw him move towards the goal from a reall acuet angle. He let the ball fly and it flew right into the far left hand bottom corner...How did that go in??? impossible angle... 1-1 and £5 to Marcus !...He could smell more money !...Dawn was last seen making her way to the bank to make a hasty withdrawal !
Brereton were quick to come back and a through ball over the top split Aran and Nick in defence. Ben was quick off his line but handled outside of his box. The referee missed it - later admitting to being colour blind. The BLUE MARKINGS on the pitch blending in with the green grass. Having sacked our previous linesman over integrity issues v Colron - Starlands new linesman flagged for the foul. It helped when the referee discovered our goalkeeper is also colourblind...that he didnt get sent off !....No intent.
The resulting free kick was smashed wide. Thank goodness otherwise I am not sure Ben would have spoken to me....play to the whistle he said afterwards !?
The referr as earlier mentioned was very fair. He did miss an earlier penalty - but made ammends when he awarded Starlands a penalty when Azza was hacked down again in the box.
Marcus stepped up and smashed it into the bottom right, the keeper dived and nearly managed to stop it...but the power just got it over the line !...2-0 and only 15 minutes played. £10 to Marcus and bankruptcy for Dawn.
HALF TIME came and the score was 2-1.
Notable performance from Kieran at right back who was bravely putting himself about. He seemed to be revelling in the confrontation with his opposite number. He even got a smack in the mout for his trouble...but never moaned or came off.
Aran and Nick were starting to come into the game more and more. Once they became clear in their decision making...they looked far more in control. Nick puts himself on the line and chases everything, whilst Aran is a more cultured player and makes time for himself on the ball before laying off a pass to set up an attack.
The midfield wa smade up of....Marcus ....and Marcus....because I seem to remember us playing with Azza, Josh ,Luke and Oska upfront....it allowed Marcus to pick up the ball and go on his surging runs - that when he plays in defence sometimes leaves us exposed....
Luke 'Christopher Dean' was struggling on...he had his knee heavily bandaged following an old ice skating injury...this was clearly causing him some discomfort but like the other lads gave 100% for the team.
Upfront, Josh was wider left with Luke wide right. Azza and Oska were up front and offered Starlands pace and tricks that caused the Brereton BIG BACK line some real problems.
Once again the Brereton keeper came to their rescue on more than one occassion.
After half time, Brereton again were through on goal. Once again Ben was holding a higher line and was quick off his line to make the save. The rebound hit the Brereton striker and it rolled towards goal...agonisingly it hit the post and came out. Ben tracked back and thwarted the follow up shot and then sat on the ball. A piece of luck !...unlike the other week when STarlands lost 1-0 to a lucky rebound goal.
Starlands went straight up the other end , with Oska forcing a terrific double save from the keeper.
Azza then played the ball through to Oska again ...who once again found himself meeting the wall that was called The Brereton keeper. Was there no way through???
Nick then made a great tackle, recovered and passed to Aran who fed a lovely slide rule pass to Azza who tucked it away for 3-1.
Azza then got his double from a corner that Brereton failed to clear with any distance. Aran collected it passing to Azza who dashed between the defenders to get his second and made it 4-1.
The fifth came from Aran tracking back one on one...he stopped the ball, turned and passed to Nick who had moved out wide to make the pitch big. He in turn passed to Josh who instinctively passed the ball onto Azza who split the defenders..Bang 5-1 and Starlands were out of sight. Azza's HATRICK secured.
Luke had played his part , a constant threat down the flank, and made way for the new debutant Reece to get a game.
Brereton were not finsihed , and a pass through the middle of the defence caused Ben to come off his line. The striker rounded Ben and continued to make towards goal. Obviously uncertain,,,he got closer and closer before he decided to shoot. All the time the Starlands defenders were getting closer...but to no avail.
Reece was getting involved and playing some nice passes to the forwards.Marcus was always close at hand to offer support.
With the score 5-2...a 6th goal followed...and what a way to finish. Marcus was making a snakey run when he was deliberately taken down. I didnt see it, but I heard Dawn ! ;)
Marcus (importantly for me) got up with minimal fuss and placed the resulting free kick. He was focused on matching Azza's goal feast.
He lined it up and smashed it over the wall.... Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal !!!!! 6- 2 and his hatrick !....£15....with a hatrick bonus !??....Pay the piper Dawn !
The match soon finished...a terrific team performance.
RICK was struggling to make a decision for The MAN OF THE MATCH. Considering there was no trophy...Did it really matter?.....He asked for my opinion...ad in my mind there were two worthy hattricks Marcus and Azza...but how do you give one without the other?.....ALL of the defence played exceptionally, Kieran was brave and strong and did the basics well , Nick also played his part. Oska a,Luke and Josh linked up play well...Reece had a solid debut...But, for me Aran was solid in defence, set up attacks and chased back.
WELL DONE ARAN , ARRAN, AORON, AARON, ....however you would like it spelt :) ....and an apology from me. As I type this report I look over at the matle piece to spy The MOM trophy sat on the fireplace.!!!!?!"£*$&£&! ......I know remember Callums Dad returning it for me to bring to the match ! SORRY !!!! Doh !
Anyway, in my mind...and ALL the parents EVERY BOY was a credit today. Having lost last time out to Brereton...You really turned it around. Well Done. It all looks good for next season.
WHO STOLE MY MAN OF THE MATCH TROPHY????!!???
