The Reds took on City Thirstys in a well fought Cup match. The Thirstys have improved considerably this season and, similar to the Reds, have invested in youth to help strengthen their team. The Reds started with Pete Kinnerley in goal, sans the hallowed blue shirt. A back four consisting of fullbacks Brad Muirhead and Sam O'Leary and centre backs Jamie Wilsher and Scott Allan formed the defence in front of him. As usual the middle of the park was filled by Geoff Smith and Kane Thomas, with Regan Leslie and James Yates out wide. Tarf Pohio and Pete Ellicott formed the arrowhead of the attack. Again a powerful bench was on hand with Alex Battersby, Mike Hogan, Phil Douglas and Gerry O'Donnell available.
Pre game their was a little confusion, with players coming late and then no nets being set up. As a result the Reds had little warm up time. This proved to be no hindrance however as the Reds dominated the first half. The Reds typical slow start was brushed aside as they bombed forward in numbers and passed the ball well. Goals were soon flowing, with man of the match Smith bagging two. The first coming after a sweeping team move, a long leg smashed the ball home. His second came after numerous corners were whipped in by Ellicott. A dummy run drew defenders away and left Smith unmarked, who powered home an unstoppable header. Ellicott was rewarded for his perseverance, winning the ball and fighting off several challenges before slotting the ball home. Yates was a constant threat, finding acres of room out wide on the left. In defence a well organised unit shut down Thirstys. Passing was crisp and early, with players opening the pitch up, creating space and moving the Thirstys around. Kinnerley made a sharp save right on half time to keep the score at 3 nil, proving to be a vital stop in the overall context of the game. Alex Battersby had a sickening clash with a young opponent, with Battersby snapping his front tooth in half, and his fellow crashee suffering a deep cut to his cheek bone.
The second stanza was a little disappointing in terms of team play. Perhaps due to a little complacency, the Reds took the foot off the opposition throat and let them back in to the game. Players started dribbling to much, and the midfield was getting pulled out of position.In possession they were sloppy, and the talk stopped. If the Reds had stuck to their game as shown in the first half, the game would have been put to bed. Leslie scored his first of the season after a cross was fumbled by the keeper and dropped to him. Thirstys started to build though, and threatened a several occasions. Two defensive errors gifted Thirstys goals to give them a hint of a come back. The way to remedy both of these goals is through positive play, getting to the ball first. It was too little too late though and the Reds took out a well deserved victory. The warm down was a grid search on all fours hunting for the broken tooth. Pete Ellicott was the discoverer, but unfortunately it was in pieces. Good luck Alex.
MOM
3- Geoff Smith
2- Peter Kinnerley, Jamie Wilsher
Mentioned in despatches:
Mike Hogan, Alex Battersby, Tarf Pohio, Kane Thomas, Pete Ellicott, Scott Allan, Brad Muirhead
