Match Report – Banbury United Spencer Away FT 2-6
Finally, today the performance was reflected in the score-line; our recent performances have been great and today was even better. The final score of 2-6 was a fair reflection of the effort put in.
We started the game with excellent pressure and Ollie put a volley just wide. Soon after Luke had a great run with the ball and put another shot just wide. Banbury responded well to the early attacks but Tom, Conner and Lewis were solid in defence. Oscar then took full advantage of a weak back-pass to the Banbury goalie, he took their defence by surprise with his pace, got to the ball first and fired it past the goalie for our first goal 0-1.
We then had 10 minutes of good mid field action with Jamie making a particularly good tackle that stopped a solid Banbury attack. Iwan, as ever, put in a fantastic shift in goal and made some really important saves. As we weathered their attack, Luke then had a great run from deep in midfield but their keeper made a great save to stop him scoring. Another attack from Luke shortly after resulted in a free kick just outside the box (and Luke being taken off injured). With us down to 8 men temporarily, Lewis took a great free kick which no-one got a touch to, including their keeper, as it sailed into the back of the net, great goal! 0-2
With Luke back on the pitch we had another opportunity soon after the kick off as we gained possession and Tom released Adam with a great pass to put him one on one with their keeper. He made no mistake, and scored a confident goal to make it 0-3 at half time.
Banbury started the second half with purpose, but we were a good match for their attack; Conner didn’t let anything past him and Tom was very resilient as sweeper. Banbury played some really nice football, and this paid off with an excellent headed goal to claw one back, 1-3. From the kick off, Ollie released Oscar again who sped past his opposition but his final shot, whilst good, was well saved. Ollie then had a great run himself but his final chip over the keeper went just wide. Adam & Ollie were applying excellent pressure in the midfield with Adam finally getting a great shooting opportunity, and hit a long-range power shot which ballooned the back of the net to score his 2nd of the day and make it 1-4.
Vikings continued to attack and Jamie had a lovely opportunity go just wide. The continued pressure in their box paid off as, amongst all the bodies, Lewis found himself in space and slotted away a nice easy goal for his 2nd of the day. 1-5. In the closing minutes Banbury pulled a goal back, not letting their heads go down at all – in fact playing some of their best football of the day. With the score-line at 2-5 we continued to apply pressure and Jamie was finally rewarded with a cracking goal to make the final score 2-6.
Choosing a man of the match was a tough decision today, and as I said after the game – if we had 9 cups, every boy would have got one! Adam was awarded MOM for his extra effort with unselfish play; looking up and making some great passes, as well as scoring two goals.
Overall we played some really good TEAM football, with much improved communication and excellent possession. Well done to all of the boys today, no subs available so they all put in a great effort!
I’m hoping this is an omen for tomorrows LFC game against Chelski J
Cheers
Jon
