Starlands Boys appear to have turned the corner...
They managed to gain their second win on the bounce - and their first ever CUP WIN !
Was it luck ? Was it down to the stand in / promoted assistant Manager? was it an early night? a full team?...Whatever it was...It was brilliant to see the lads play with renewed confidence and a smile :)
Alas, Poor Rick was sunning himself away on holiday and missed a terrific corner headed into the top corner by his lad Josh. I am also afraid to report the trademark lining up of everyone on the edge of the box and running in was not behind the goal...The boys revolted and took up pre planned positions in the box...impeding the keeper and making a nuisance of themselves in the box. The corner was whipped in , and Josh ducked low to meet the cross and it flew into the net. 1-0 !
Starlands had the majority of the early possession and looked confident on the ball. Luke was showing some silky skills every time he got the ball....and was playing with confidence.
Az up front was full of running and was a constant threat - prepared to shoot when he had the chance.
Oski and Callum were providing ample support upfront and in defence with linking up play and the odd shot - and Callum was full of running...what does that boy have for breakfast?!!*!&!
Another lad full of running is Capt. Consistent Marcus , ever ready to track back and intercept - covering for his defending pals Nick and Kieron.
Both Kieran and Nick was steady at the back , making some telling tackles but playing the easy ball - and doing the sensible thing playing the ball off the park when danger was around rather than handing easy chances to the opposition.
Lichfield were growing in confidence - and the longer Starlands went without gaining a second goal - the more it looked likely they would equalise and so it proved.
A close range point blank shot following a failure to clear the ball resulted in the equaliser 1-1.
A back pass by Marcus wasa gathered by Ben who started to control the ball as the oncoming striker rushed in - a gasp went up from the spectators as they thought the ball would be charged down - but, Ben calmly cleared the ball....Phew !...Never in doubt!...
A further chance came for the visitors when a long range speculative shot flew high and long. Ben was off his line, it looked though the ball would bounce over his head, but he just managed to get an outstretched hand to stop the ball...Again - The spectators held their breath !
The first half finished 1- 0, it remained to be seen whether Starlands could hang on...would their fitness play a part?
The second half started with both teams exchanging blows... and it was Nick who had pushed forward into the penalty box only to be knocked to the gorund...PENALTY !! screamed Marcus Mum ....mind you...an early penalty shout was also heard and fell on deaf ears. That was for offside>!@!&"^£%!%!....lol.
The referee blew his whistle - But who would take the penalty?....Marcus was called up...His mum couldnt stand to watch....But, he buried it in the bottom left hand corner to make it 2-1.
Starlands were unlucky not to score another couple with Az and Callum both failing to capitalise on breaks - Yet all was good when Callum broke from half way and slotted home with consumate ease...superb finish and put the game out of sight ! 3-1
Kieran,Nick and Marcus had very steady games at the back - continuing to clear danger. Yet Man of The Match went to LUKE for a brilliant first half display - if he can work on his fitness and continue this into the second half of games - then he may be the find of the season....watch this space.
Ki came on - and made his second game appearance. He once again threw himself into the match and played a pivotal role in setting up Nicks run into the box that led to the penalty. Well Done.
Starlands Elite can look forward to Whittington Lasers - who had played and beaten Starlands Mets just before our boys game - a real challenge lays ahead of the boys...but on todays display I am sure they are up for it. Well done kids....and we loved the DUCK DANCE to celebrate the third goal ! Enjoy it and keep smiling. :)
STARLANDS ELITE - MATCH DAY SQUAD
CHICKEN DANCE REPLAY !
LUKE - MAN OF THE MATCH
