Finally! The wet weather has arrived. Perfect for slide tackles - a defenders dream!
Today was against a team a few of our players only know too well. So we knew what to expect and with a depleted team due to injuries we knew that we had to kill the game off early.
With the rain coming down, we started the game positively. Finding our feet, getting to grips with the slanted pitch and the weather conditions.
It wasn't too long before we started creating a few chances. Johnny showing his ability to dribble and hold up the ball and Jubz showing off his pace, the opposition’s defense just couldn’t handle them. However it was one of those games when we knew the lino would be against us. Perhaps Jubz is too fast and needs to slow down for the rest of us.
With the defense looking solid the opposition could only shoot from distance. Just another training session for Paul in goal. Then after he calmly claimed a shot he launched the ball forward for Jubz to chase and the keeper made a hash of it, leaving Jubz with a simple tap in. 1-0 to TEFA!
Playing with confidence we started knocking the ball about, playing some really nice football with Dazza, Craig and Ash linking up with Jubz and Johnny and playing our football across their back line.
Then Dazza played the ball into Johnny's feet, he then dribbled his way into a scoring opportunity and without hesitation he took it, shooting the ball into the bottom corner - great goal. 2-0
With the rain still pouring, TEFA defended well as a team with the back three sweeping up everything that came their way and the wing backs Alex and Wayne giving support and tracking the wingers - it was like a well oiled machine!
A comfortable first half from TEFA.
After playing up hill the first half the hard work was out the way. However Fishblood started the half more positive. Throwing extra bodies forward the three at the back were forced into making a few sliding tackles to deny the opposition.
But we stood our ground and started to compose ourselves and began to start playing football again.
Then after a great bit of link up play down the left wing, Johnny showing a bit of trickery played a great through ball into the Jubz who took one touch and placed it into the far corner - another great goal. 3-0 to TEFA
The midfield trio of Ash, Craig and Dazza where starting to dominate with Ash throwing in some great tackles, Craig switching the ball across the park and Dazza finding those intricate through balls.
Then before you knew it Dazza found Jubz on the edge of the box, who took one touch past the defender and blasted it past the keeper. 4-0 to TEFA.
At this point, Fishblood were starting to get desperate and throwing players forward, but still they were unable to penetrate the defense and could only settle for shooting from distance. But then before you knew it and long shot which dipped at the last minute forced Paul into a great save which he tipped over the bar (personally I would have caught it)
For the last 15 minute, Adam came on for a straight swap for Alex. Straight away he was called into action, winning a few headers and making a couple of interceptions. Specifically, after their strikers shot was deflected and was going to fall straight into the path of their winger. But Adam was there the hook it away (however I would have given a free kick for high foot - but I don’t care at least it was cleared).
Finally the match came to an end.
A well deserved victory where pace and intricate passing was too much for Fishblood Stiffs. Also if we had a fair lino then Jubz could have had 6 goals. But that’s football.
Man of the match this week was a tough decision as everyone played and important role today. But it has to be awarded to Jubz for his display of pace and power that they just couldn’t handle and to top it of a hatrick to boast about. Is this the beginning of a beautiful partnership upfront with Jubz and Johnny? Only time will tell.
There are a few kinks that need to be ironed out, like closing down the long shots and ensuring we play to certain player’s strengths. But all in all it was a great team effort, lets keep it up lads!
