Today's game v Lichfield was played at Aldridge School on a lovely sunny day and infront of a full house.
Dawn quickly went about her business selling lucky football scratch cards....A venture she hopes to continue every game to raise funds for a social event for the boys ...Well Done Dawn !
Today's match was always going to be tough against a well drilled team . Upon our arrival they were already in the midst of their team talk and the pitch was littered with different coloured cones to commence their warm up routines.
Starlands approach is a little more relaxed.
We nearly lost Nick early doors - He arrived and went over to the wrong pitch to play ?!....it's ok though because Helen & Phil nearly watched the wrong match !@&£#%!???......
Once everyone was in place Starlands gave a very good account of themselves in the opening minutes.
The game was very open and end to end. Lichfield looked to play the ball over the top of our back four and hope to utilise their pace. But Ben was quick off his line playing like a sweeper. He was supported by the defenders at every opportunity.
Starlands applied Pressure for most of the first half ,there were numerous crosses by Marcus and little flicks by josh but never anyone on the end of these to take advantage.
The Corners were coming thick and fast - 17 last week Dawn tells us ;)
The a Lichfield through ball and the striker hit the cross bar !
Nick came off early doors having taken a knock to his ankle in an earlier rugby match and replaced by Reece.
Tom had some nice touches but couldn't find one of those rocket shots he displayed in the warm up.
The Back four of Luke, Callum , Kieran and nick were looking very secure.
But then Commentators curse Dean said "they are all playing well - your Bens having a good game ! "....No sooner said ...than..
1-0 ...argh !.....This followed a quick throw and cross through a crowd box and a shot into the bottom corner.
Starlands then attacked but the Keeper was quicky out to beat Josh to it.
A Free kick taken by Marcus was just palmed away by the keeper. Then another Corner taken by Marcus caused confusion in the box and a shot by Mason was saved.
1-0 down at the break and unlucky to be so - a terrific effort by the boys.
The 2nd half started and quickly Lichfield won another corner but Starlands defended it well.
Then Mason was put through only to blast wide! His Second opportunity....and His Dad was pulling his hair out !...( or would have if he had any).
Azza then put the ball through to Nick but the Lichfield keeper claimed the ball securely.
A Through ball was miss kicked by Ben but between Callum and him they held Lichfield at bay. ....Phew !
From the resulting Corner - the Lichfield player turned and shot hitting the crossbar. Another let off !
Then Ben was off his line to challenge in a 50/50 crunch ! He Saved the initial shot but the follow up was scored making it 2-0
Then 3-0 with a quick goal !
A starlands Corner was taken and another shot by josh went wide !
A Lichfield Corner was taken short and flicked up and a well taken unchallenged header made it 4-0
Marcus had a speculative shot from the edge of the box that went agonisingly wide.
The sun was shining and the defence appeared to be sun bathing - as aball came out of the sun and the Starlands defence lost sight of the ball - it fell to the waiting Lichfield player who had an open goal to make it 5-0....it was comical.
Quote of the day....followed from Rob the linesman who was heard to say to himself "your shitting me "
A starlands attack ... Guess what Aza snap shot wide.
Callum Was single handedly holding the Lichfield score at bay....he was everywhere ! Never gave up and battled non stop.Well done.
Other stand out performances were from Marcus in the first half who made some great attacking runs..unfortunately he couldn't sustain it in the second half.
Luke was looking comfortable on the ball at the back alongside Callum - and was distributing the ball well.
Anyway Lichfield were deserved winners on their second half performance ....but the score line did not reflect the amount of chances that Starlands wasted. You have got to SHOOT boys !
Man of the match was awarded to CALLUM for a superb display in a position he doesn't like!....
