Another 2 players represented the Stats this week and fitted in nicely for a sound performance against average opposition. That these boys are above us in the table says a lot about our season because with a full strength side we would smash them all over the place.
Alex played his farewell game for the stats and has been dying to play upfront. Giles partnered him and they both found it a frustrating day as they had little service and when they did get in the game they seemed to be working in the channels rather than providing a goal threat. Not through wnat of trying it didnt quite happen for them today.
We played some good possession football across the width of the pitch, switching it pretty well at times, although the tempo needed to be higher. I think the pitch worked against us as it was very dry and therefore slow and it took an extra second to get the ball to its target player - maybe we could have passed it harder?!
After good spells of possession young Abe tried a more difficlut long ball when a short one sufficed and we were punished as we allowed their player to run at us and drill a low shot into our goal. Could we have done better at stopping him?
Shortly after we got a free kick on centrally about 27ft and 3/4 inches from goal. Spagey stepped up to hit a marvellous strike straight into the roof of the net - no chance keeper.
For the rest of the half we had the majority of possession, Loft 'safe hands pav' Stanbury was having a sound game in goal, even having a little play around with us, tipping the ball onto the bar! Funny! Stacey was getting on the ball and trying to make things happen in the midfield alongside Ciaran, working well with Abe and Spagey as most of our play seemed to progress down the left side. I think they stifled us pretty well and shut down spaces and made it hard for us to penetrate, which was frustrating.
We talked about a better tempo and keeping possession and waiting for gaps to exploit at half time. We did a better job of this and worked the right flank well getting dom and dan in the game more who linked up well and looked to create. Loft made a nice save, tipping round the post and pad cleared off the line (so he tells me!) while we tried in vain to create soem chances. Eventually we did and good craft from Giles and a perfect hanging cross for Al seemed destined to score, he somehow headed wide. Harsh - maybe it was in the air too long but you deffo shudda scored mate! All in all I think a draw was a fair result. Well done for that.
Pav - Safe hands (most of teh time, apart froma little juggling. Looked like the Fishersgate Flyers Specialist of yesteryear.
Dom - Was puffing a bit at some stages but looked like Cafu on occasion
Rich - Showed his versatility and defensive prowess as rarely troubled and did well to pass and move the ball to start attacks.
Pad - Committed as ever, put his heart ...and tatts on the line.
Abe Lincoln - Willing to get on the ball as much as possible. Tried to link with spagey and was available for switches but just couldnt make that telling pass he wanted.
Dan Mitchelin man - Quiet first half but worked his way into game and showed some keith gillespie moments. Worked hard
Stacey - Showed desire to get on the ball and create. under pressure never went hiding. Always available.
Ciaran G Keane - Worked hard to find spaces and was available to get things going, keeping possession well with simple soccer.
Spagey - a good outlet and worked hard to get space to deliver, sometimes to no avail witha lack of players in the box. Great goal.
Al Veron - Worked hard to make things happen and get on the ball, probably playing with midfielders tendencies, dropping deep to recieve, when may have been more effective in the box. Frustrated witha lack of service, desire to get into scoring positions till the end where he should have scored the winner. Chin up son.
Giles - Worked hard to find space and make runs but was rarely found. When he did get on the ball touch was good and looked neat and tidy. Made the space to deliver a lovely cross for Alfonso.
