HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!
2011 , could be WM Saabs year !
A cold and frosty start , with the pitch conditions obviously going to have a major impact on the quality of the football. Saab had an early advantage, as a master stroke from the management team, ensured that we were playing on the slightly less frozen half of the pitch first (well done Captain for winning the toss ! ). We were all braced for a physical game, and everyone showed that they were willing to throw their bodies on the line for each other, with some committed tackling. Saab found it difficult to play their usual slick passing game, but were still playing some decent stuff, although slightly more direct than usual.
Andy Corbett and Macca looked like 'Pallister and Bruce' , with Daz McQuade sweeping every ball behind them when needed comfortably. Rob Stokes joined hte game on the left , after JB, was taken off, after being unable to shake off the effects of recent flu. Saabs front men were making some fantastic runs, and were refusing to give Blackwoods defenders a moments rest .Closest chance of the half , came when Nocka recieved the ball 20 yards out , and struck a stinging low drive, which just crept the wrong side of the 'massive' posts !
A few personnell changes at half time for Saab, kept things fresh, and we started the second half in uncharacteristically upbeat fashion. Matt Curran was on the pitch, and pestering the defence by challenging for every ball. the game opened up a little, and there were some half chances for either side.
As if it was still 2010, we then conceded a gol against the run of play !! Blackwood broke down the right, and knocked a ball across the 6 yard box. Unfortunately, with little other option, Corbs could only slide the ball 'sweetly' into our own net, with Ray Sparrow helpless.
This is where we would have collapsed last year ........
Not this year !!! Saab seemed to step up another gear, and after 5 minutes of 'lung bursting' box to box running , Matt Carthey got exactly what he ( and the rest of the team ) deserved , when he was able to stab the ball past the Blackwood keeper from close range to the delight of the Saab faithful on the sides. Pip ' the boss man' Williams was brought on, and made almost an immediate impact. After some awesome counter attack play from Steve Rees and Matt Carthey, Pippa received the bal in the wide right position. He skipped past the full back, and bore down on the Blackwood keeper............ what would come next ??? ......... rather than taking a shot, he unselfishly and cleverly, squared the ball to an unmarked Nocka ........... Nocka , steadied himself..... looked up and picked his spot .......... swung his right boot back ............ closed his eye's ........ and .......... GGGGGGGOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL !!!
Blackwood had a few half chances as they pushed late on for an equaliser, but it was always going to be our day.
Well done to every single person involved.
