Starlands were playing at home for the 3rd week on the trot...maybe more...It's been nice :)
A full squad of players to choose from and The Managing Maestro that is RIck returned with ROb relegated to running the line.
Luke was on from the start looking to build on renewed confidence from last weeks man of the match award.
A new tactic of Jed starting on the bench would at least guarantee he would make it through to half time ! ...fingers crossed.
Marcus,Nick and Kieran looked comfortable at the back and were pretty solid.
Upfront Josh was trying a few flicks for Oscar and Azza to run onto. With Callum?....well everywhere of course !
ELFORD scored first - with Ben not kicking cleanly - and the ball being sent back by the Elford no.9 yet again. I am not sure if he missed a header all day?...he must have concussion.
The ELford striker ran onto the ball just out pacing the defence and dispatched a shot with clinical precision into the bottom corner. 1-0 and Starlands were behind.
The equaliser came from no where. Luke went in for a 50:50 challenge, the ball broke free...Luke continued and won the next challenge on the outside of the box. He then pulled back his foot and shot!.....like a rocket it went into the top corner ! 1-1 and an unbelievable strike.....Dean nearly invaded the pitch ! FANTASTIC goal.
Ben soon made amends for his kick when he came off his line to block a shot and then made a 50:50 challenge leaving both lads injured.
Starlands were soon on the attack with a quick throw taken by Kieran to Oscar who went running to the by line and shot....come crossed...the ball hit the cross bar and out for a goal kick....unlucky !
Half time came and the score remained 1-1.
Deano went to rob Luke of his Lucozade – his need being greater than Luke’s with WBA playing Burnley straight after the game he needed to be in fine voice.
The second half saw Jed takeover from Nick. Nick had played a really solid match with plenty of tackles and passes to set up counter attacks. Next year with 11 a side – A back four of Jed,Marcus,Nick and Kieran looks a pretty solid basis for the team…and should reduce Bens workload !
Jed took over and made a lovely interception on half way. He exchanged passes with both Josh and then Azza as he continued his barn storming forward run. On the edge of the box he took aim a belted the ball into the top corner. Goooooooooooooooooooooooal !!...another brilliant goal making it 2-1
The third goal game from another great Oscar corner. The ball was repelled out of the box and fell to Callum who took a speculative shot from about 30 yards that flew up up and away…high into the sun and over the keeper and into the back of the net …..Another superb goal…3-1
Could the boys hang on?... A sign of the boys playing well is that we don’t see much of Marcus tracking back and making timely interceptions and tackles. Well, as this game neared a conclusion – Elford started looking stronger and the defence were put under some pressure.
Elford scored a second from a corner. It was well taken a flew into the danger area. Ben tried to come for it but didn’t get there, and then the ball wasn’t cleared early enough and it fell at the feet of the striker who kicked it into the net to make it 3-2.
A little bit of panic?...or fatigue? Or just exhaustion was setting in. It was very hot and the boys had worked their socks off. Ki came on and made his usual hustle and bustle effort – causing problems for Elford.
Jed took a little knock and was replaced by Nick – only a precautionary move.
Elford took control of the ball and broke free. At this point the reporter was running the line. The ball went through to the winger who then crossed the ball. There was a centre forward amongst others stood in the middle clearly interfering with play and off side. The Elford spectators all shouted he’s offside…The flag went up…the ball flew across the goal and The keeper came out towards the attacker…The ball evaded both and another player running in at the back post slotted home.
The linesman felt like a spare part – my piece of cloth dangling in the wind. The stand in referee, son of their manager and brother of their player gave the goal. I remained stood with the flag up, the referee came over and enquired…I told him…he checked with the spectators…and gave the goal?@!”£!...lol. If ever there was evidence of organising a proper referee that was it. ( I hasten to add – at least he gave it a go and did well for the majority of the game.) The joke is, when I turned to the crowd to say “You said it was off side yourselves…” ….Like naughty kids with their hands in the sweetie jar they all turned and said no or looked down at the ground?...pmsl.
And that it is why I don’t bother running the line. Shame…and Dawn I refer you to your earlier comment about cheats never prosper?....They do if they don’t get caught ! lol.
Saying that – It would have been harsh on either team to have lost a thrilling game of football…and it’s easy to forget it is only a game of kids football. Who cares?...as long as they have some exercise and fun.
Man of The Match was awarded to Jed for his effort whilst on the pitch and I think?...his first goal?...Dont shoot me if I am wrong Jed.
Special mention must go to Azza for some great play, Kieran and Nick. We have come to expect high standards from Marcus and Callum. Every lad put a real shift in – and contributed to a great game of football. Well done !
