We knew this wasn't going to be an easy match but all of our players were up for it and it looked like we'd stepped up our game as the match kicked off. The whole game went back and forth up and down the pitch with both sides looking strong on a number of occasions. A few people commented that they were surprised that Winwick were top of the league however, to be fair to Winwick, they were a good strong side who used their strength and speed to their advantage and had us on the back-foot on a number of occasions.
Both keepers were kept busy during this match and Jako put in a really great performance which earned him the parents’ man of the match award. He almost got the coaches award as well as it was a difficult choice for us between him and Dominic with Marc also coming close. In the end we asked the ref to make the decision for us and he pointed out Dominic for this game. Every player tried hard during the game and there were some good close moments. Unfortunately we cost ourselves the match due to an unfortunate back pass which went to a Winwick player giving him a free run on goal. Jako had the shot covered but a defender tried to clear it and unluckily deflected it past our keeper and into the goal with 5 minutes to go.
Nobodies head went down and we really pushed hard for the last 5 minutes with Travis coming very close to scoring at one point and every ball being chased down. We may have got lucky if the game had lasted a little longer but it wasn't to be on this occasion. A good chat with the opposition coaches at the end of the match was very complementary towards our team and the game we gave them and later in the evening we received a text from one of the Winwick coaches which reads word for word:-
"Martin its neil winwick
Just wanna say thanks to you your team and club for a cracking game could gone either way but for some excellent goalkeeping
its what junior football is about
Look forward to next fixture
Top side with a big future"
We were also stopped by one of the Winwick parents when we were walking back to the car. He wound his window down and told us he thought it was a cracking game which should have ended in a draw and we were easily the toughest opponents they have faced this season. His son added that it was easily the hardest game he's played in all season and we have some really good strong players.
We can't wait for the re-match at our ground :-)
