Being watched as individuals and as a team its a pity (but not disastrous!) that half the team turned up a bit worse for wear for our first "usual time" ko. All our other pre-seasons have been afternoon/evening and it took us too long to get going - this was St Marys first game and they put us under pressure on and off the ball as we either took unneccessary touches or tried too much hollywood.
10 minutes in Ryan playing well in the central area released Kyle who cut across the closing defender (nice) and unleashed a proper strikers drive from 18 yards - have it. That should have been the signal for us to press on but we struggled to get going. Various players, notably Sam and Olli, lit up the game for brief periods but never all at the same time so we had a disjointed look about us.
10 minutes before half time Glen, who's making rapid progress, pressured a mistake and released Olli who rounded a stranded 'keeper to make it 2-0. The return of Neil was marked by another hospital incident - love it - its good to see him back otherwise it was a pretty unremarkable half in which we failed to fully impose ourselves.
The half time re-shape to two holding midfield players was undone within 2 minutes as Steve thought he was still playing up top, they hit Turner in the hole behind, turned our two exposed defenders, bish bosh and back in it at 1-2. Just minutes later and its groundhog day and its 2-2. Hands up from Steve as he settles into a nice solid screen with Glen and we're on our way. Kim calls to concede the ball in their half (well done), they cant play thro' our compact shape and it creates opportunities on the counter where we have power pace and quality. Chippy releases Olli who glides thro to restore our lead. 10 minutes later it really is groundhog day as we pull the same stroke with Sam adding the delightful utioners stroke.
This is text book - get it right and its going to take either a very very very good side to unlock us and prevent our quality counters - or perhaps the odd keystone cops moment Chippy style which saw us concede a third to 3 -4! Nathan took on board half time throw in instructions and in the 80th minute he unleashed one across the six yard box, stoke style, Chippy headed it back across and Kim drove home from the tightest of angles. Pefect.
With 5 minutes remaining Kyle turned provider on the counter (nice to see him heads up) breaking and then driving a lovely crossfield diagonal into Ryans stride,his driven cut back cross found the "ghost on the post" as Lee passed the ball into the net. Olli was closing in for his hat trick 1 on 1 with the 'keeper only for Kenny to blow up. We all know Olli will clean up when the season starts proper.
Some big plusses are flowing from these games, Garys development into a top 'keeper is there for all to see, Neils welcome return from a 3/4 season absence bringing his hospital mayhem with him, the three new players adding new different qualities (but no passengers) plus plus plus - we are The Association and we love it.
