A well deserved win for Teamstats on a surprisingly playable pitch at Buckingham park.
After a series of high profile howlers, manager and keeper Robert Long decided to drop himself and was even too embarrassed to show his face. So it was down to long serving number 2 Martin Stanraat to organise the side and early clubman contender Chinders to step into his place. And what a difference it made!!
We started the game with a new 4-5-1 formation. Neil, Pad, Stevo, Pagey across the back, Al, Dan G and Rich in the middle with Jeeves and Barrett supporting lone ranger Loft up front. A solid looking line up which promised a lot on paper.
The paper soon transferred to the grass and Teamstats had much of the first half in their control. The formation worked really well with the midfield 3 winning the battles then looking to release the wide men at all times. Barrett had a one on one well saved and Al found himself at the back post with a great chance. Too much power on the shot put the ball agonisingly wide.
All over the pitch we were battling hard and showing our experience over youth causing the Ricardo boys to get frustrated and start arguing with each other. The only chances they had were on the break where some clever flicks caught us out a couple of times but we soon wised up to their tactics.
0-0 at half time but we should’ve been a couple up. Not much to complain about.
Second half didn’t go to plan to start with. We allowed them back into the game and they scored after another goalkeeping howler by stand in Chinders who let a tame shot squirm between his legs. Unlucky mate, at least you don’t pretend to be a proper keeper!
Overall we didn’t deserve to be behind in the game and started to battle back into the game to put things right. Soon came a succession of chances which on another day would’ve put us well in front. Loft chased down a lost cause in the corner, won the ball and whipped in a pinpoint cross to Barrett who caught the ball perfectly on the Valerie only for it to hit the keeper in the face and go wide! Loft then had a volley of his own from Al’s flick on but despite connecting well somehow hit the outside of the post from 4 yards out. SID.
It was looking like it might just be “one of those days” that we’ve had a lot already this season but then some magic from Barrett on the left wing saw him beat 3 men with sheer acceleration and determination! This boy has rocket powered, kamagra sponsored boots! Chris picked out Rich who’d made a great run into his box but his shot was well saved – luckily Barrett had continued his run , reacted first and smashed the ball home! 1-1 and well deserved.
Both teams could’ve gone on to win it from here and Barrett had a great chance to score another but the ball bobbled after going through one on one again.
Then when Steveo finally got his second yellow for persitsent infringements from the most patient ref in the world it was looking like we’d have to hold on for a point. Wrong!! Al picked up the ball with space in the stretched midfield and after being ‘ordered’ by Loft to find Barrett, another pin-point pass released the wing wizard on another solo run. The whole pitch stood and admired as he easily beat several men and finish cooly into the bottom corner! Cue wild celebrations in the corner!
Ricardo just about had time to kick off before the final whistle went. Loft was so pleased with his caretaker management masterclass that he gave the likeable Ricardo number 6 a big friendly cuddle on the floor!
Overall lads it was a great performance which showed good football, character and battling. Everyone contributed to the win!
Individual comments:
Chinders – apart from the blooper a very solid performance for the team. Important blocks, read the game well and almost perfect kicking.
Neil – Won the ball a lot and picked out a simple pass when needed. Could do with being a bit more vocal. Never been on the losing side for us!!
Pagey – Always looking comfortable with ball at feet – continued good link up play with fellow left Barrett
Pad – important tackles and headers. Gave attackers a bit too much space in first half but soon dealt with them
Steveo – Usual good defending but got distracted by mouthing off and then head went with some bad tackles. Very lucky to stay on the pitch as long as he did! Let the team down by putting us under pressure at end of the game.
Rich – accomplished performance in middle of the park. Some great tackles and got forward well when needed. Unlucky not to score.
Dan G – Usual solid, reliable performance. Became a bit negative towards team mates during a spell in second half .
Al – energetic performance with some great defence splitting passes. Involved in a lot of our good play
Jeeves – always looking for the ball and a great outlet for the midfield.
Barrett – Average first half by usual standards but still heavily involved and a constant threat. Second half won us the game with 2 outstanding goals created from nothing. Try to be there every week please! Booked for reacting to decisions.
Loft – worked hard alone up front and chased lost causes bringing others into play. Shocking miss on the volley.
Nick Quant – 15 minutes at the end, got involved and kept it simple.
Match photos:
http://www.photoboxgallery.com/sussexfootball/collection?album_id=250953929
Some class shots!!
