Another victory for Teamstats saw them put some all important points on the board in the league in a strange encounter at Braypool.
The mood before the game was a little lackluster and lazy, which we all know impacts our performance early on in the game. Everyone seemed a little tired and not really focused and it was no surprise that we were on the back foot early on with us conceding a ridiculous goal on about 10.
It seemed as though their goal got us rallying and despite some poor tracking back for most of the first half, it has to be said that going forward we were mustard. Some of the passing and movement on a very small pitch was excellent and I lost count of the times precision passing meant we got behind their back 4.
Our first goal cam one about 30 minutes, an excellent corner by Daryl was met by Bell at the front post. The kiddy doesn't miss those and was unmarked, 1-1.
This saw teamstats start to exert some pressure and it was no surprise when we went 2-1 up about 5 minutes later. An excellent team move involving most of the midfield ended in Pagey, who was working well up front, play a lovely ball through to Daryl who shaped well and smashed it into the far corner, a great finish,
It was strange when we went ahead, once again we seemed to become very lazy and let them back into the game. We just weren't cutting out the ball over the top for their front 2 and we let them get behind again, only for Nick to make the tackle on the last man and for the ball to deflect to their unmarked striker who made it 2-2 on the last kick of the first half, this seems to be a trend, we must stay focused every minute from now on, better team would make us pay.
At half time the team talk was simple, we had lots more goals if we wanted them, because going forward we were causing them problems all over the pitch, particularly down the left, with Chinders having another fine game and getting all sorts of space going forward. We started the second half well with Greenwood getting on the ball playing some excellent passes. Our 3rd goal came quickly on about 48, with Chinders breaking on the left and playing a great cross into the box, with the menace of the afternoon Jeeves scoring another unmarked header.
We stayed on top this time, with the slight risk of their counter attack and Jeeves got another goal with an easy tap in. I can't really remember what happened so if anyone has anything to add, feel free.
Coyne then made way on about 60 with a hamstring problem, Finley came on up front with Pagey moving out to the left.
Despite the pressure and plenty of the ball, with Daryl, Pagey and Bell all running at them we created few more clear cut chances, however Bell then decided he'd had enough, beat a few players and smashed the ball from outside the area, it looked destined for the top corner anyway, but a deflection meant instead of being a 9 out of 10 it was down graded to a 5 out of 10 (sorry Bell).
We had a few more scares after that, once gain due to laziness more than anything else, with their old (must have been 45) sub scoring the goal of the match on about 80, however we held off for a deserved victory.
On a final note, I have said it time and time again, we must guard against complacency, as discussed before the game, our aim has to be to win every game in the league between now and the cup final, please remember the effort and focus of the semi, this has to be the benchmark every game.
Cheers All, G. Affa.
