|
Firstly, many thanks to Paul for running the show last week. I had a lovely weekend, and I did think of you all as I supped the Guinness! Paul was a star for offering to take the reins and from what I hear the boys were unlucky to come off losers.
Secondly, this report will be shorter than in the past. Since the FA demanded one of the reports being sanitised, I will now stick to the very basics.
First half started OK. Frinton were a match for us but we were desperately trying to avoid our ‘hoofing it’ history. But Frinton, like all the teams we meet seemed to want the ball more. The first goal was a good example. We had a corner, ably taken by Jake. It dropped where they always do, but we shied away from it. Next minute the ball was down our end, and four defenders failed to clear leaving Frinton an easy goal. Then Harry was tripped in the box and we won a penalty. Once again we didn’t convert it – this time due to a tremendous save from the Frinton keeper. Our curse continues. (it is not a fact that we are cursed. It is poetic license on my part.) Then Harry had a goal disallowed for offside (mixed opinion on this – I am not criticising, just reporting) Ten minutes later another defensive howler let them in again. 2-0 down. Jake then stepped up to give us some hope. An enormous free kick caught the keeper off his line and we were only one goal short of our visitors.
Five subs started the second half, and arguably made us stronger. Louis went up front, and soon had us level following another massive free kick from Jake. Soon after Sam fed Louis who shot first time to give us the lead. Louis then had two more clear chances, Luke hit a fabulous first time punt which bounced and then cleared the bar, and we were dominating possession. We looked comfortable, and should have been the winners, but once again a series of mistakes allowed Frinton to steal their third tap in of the game. Huge frustration because we once again were the better team, but again failed to deliver the goods. Never mind, we strive on and look at the positives; Louis looked good up front, Jake grows stronger by the day (what do they feed him?) and Calum H was hugely impressive in midfield. Some of our play was cultured and intelligent, so well done boys. Well done to Frinton – a really good game, played in the right spirit.
Thanks go to Val for snacks, James for the line, Sue for the kit, and Janice for doing it this week. Also thanks to all supporters for standing behind the barriers as requested by the FA.
Man of the Match – Calum – dominant, commanding and determined.
Dave |