I will make this brief.
This got our season back on track. Great to have that camaraderie back and we all pulled together to get this win and into the Quarter Final.
A hard fought win capped by two cracking goals form Danny G. We could have been down a few by the break after a poor first half. Our warm up and preparation wasn't the best - the ref asking if we can clean dog doodoo off the pitch isnt the best preparation, and G.B unfortunately tweaked a hammy during the warm up.
Once we got into it, courtesy of some argy bargey and the old adrenalin kicking in we competed well, the tackles flew in and we played some ok football at times. I think we managed to rock Glenn 'Fat 'Ed's' world as he was on a mission to kill Coyney when he was having a decent game. That old trick worked a treat! What a foul man,
We were on top in the second half. Alex moved to the back alongside Pad and was demanding team shape from those around him, winning every header with excellent distribution. Andy P entered the fray at the right time. After tireless running from Joel down the right he got a breather. Andy had instant impact, playing the ball into Dannys path, who showed terrific technique, cutting across the ball and drove it, with curl into the top right hand corner from around 30 yds out! Another cracker to go into the book of Greenwood wizardry.
Rottingdean responded well and went on the attack. A cross was cleared to the edge of the box and Coyney couldnt quite get to make a tackle before a shot came in and they managed to deflect the ball into the net.
Things were tight and we could have made it within 90 minutes when Coyney broke into the box, Chinders and Danny were both open but his pullback found neither of them. Spagey had a vicious strike saved well by the goalie before the game went to extra time.
As the legs tired we looked like we had the hunger and desire for the win. In classic Teamstats Cup Style we produced a bit to quality to win the game. Spagey got the ball out wide and whipped in a tremendous cross from the left which Danny ran onto perfectly to head into the bottom corner to send the Stats into the Quarte Finals!
Well Done to everyone for a great team performance.
Steveo - Made some super saves and good punches to protect the goal. Could sweep up a bit better and talk some more, but that will come with more games in between the sticks. Solid.
Rich - Havent been playing to your usual high level lately imo. Had lots of time and space down their left where they were weak. When you exploited it you were effective, making some telling runs and drving into the box as the game went on got stronger.
Pad - Another solid performance. Did the simple things well, winning and laying and keeping the shape. Could have got tighter to his man at times. Kept us focused to the end of the game with Positivity.
Bell - Sttruggled with pre game injury and couldnt carry on, Substituted after 10 minutes (Given a 7 as not to disturb your average rating!)
Chinds - Was a good option and played some nice balls into the channels. Made some telling tackles, getting booked for a top challenge, i thought.
Joel - Has pace and athleticism to trouble defenders. Needed better end product as entered final third but i think that is because of fitness and will come after more games.
Danny G - A steady game as always. Produced a moment of magic for the 1st goal and timed run to perfection to get in the box and a cool head to tuck away the header.
Coyney - After a bad tackle got his blood boiling, started to play with ferocity of old, making some telling tackles and putting himself about the place. Needs more quality on the ball, keeping possession a bit better at times. Strived to get into teh box and make things happen up until the last minute - when he got sent off for talking nonsense to his old pal, Glenn.
Spagey - First game for a while and it showed at times, with some misplaced passes. Stayed in the game and showed his quality with a great strike which the keeper saved well, saving best for last with a lovely drifted ball into the box to set up the winner.
Giles - Tireless running and a great work rate as ever. Didnt lack your usual potency in front of goal or to create goal scoring opportunities. Need to keep your eyes on the ball as you are making runs mate!
Ciaran - Came on after 10 minutes. After an indifferent 1st half worked hard to get in the game, putting himself about and showing good link up play.
Andy - When he came on he helped steady the ship by holding the midfield allowing us to commit more players forward. Some nice passes and an assist for Danny.
I realise as I am playing it is hard to see everything you did and didnt do on the pitch, so its as an accurate an account of what I saw. I try to be constructive, showing your good points and those you can improve on generally.
RESPECT
