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Where do I start? Should I focus on the glory of the win, or the under performance that led us to the wire?
I was very proud of the way our team observed the minute of silence. I hope the boys took a moment to reflect on what has given up, allowing them to be free to play football.
Luck was with us early on. TPY scored a bizarre own goal to give us the lead. Thomas made a couple of cracking saves and a marginal offside disallowed a TPY goal. They looked strong up front, and a number of shots rained in on our goal. I felt we should have been the stronger side, but we were getting bogged down in midfield and not making enough use of the wings.
After TPY levelled the score following some ghost tackling, Cameron Scored to put us 2-1 up. It had been a neat move, but the key was his finish - it took courage to put his head to the ball when keeper’s hands, defender’s heads and boots were flying.
Calum had come close following a free kick from Jake, and Luke had been denied following a great through ball from Harry C. Then TPY struck to level the scores. Harry LA chanced an interception, but the ball fell to their striker who hit a powerful first time shot past Thomas.
With all the subs on we started the second half hopeful that we could improve on our performance. Louis dropped into midfield, Luke and James took on the strikers roles, and Calum dropped back to assist Harry LA. Overall we were stronger and more secure and when Louis hit a first time shot over the keeper to finish off a neat bit of work from Sam on the right, we looked good. Then, an odd penalty decision. Jake was contesting the ball with TYP’s striker and was adjudged to have fouled him. Ironic this, to say the least. Justice was served when the spot kick was dragged wide.
With 15 minutes to go Jake replaced Thomas in goal. This was done for numerous reasons, but not to let TYP score! Unfortunately Jake’s first kick was quickly returned, and within seconds had been prodded home.
Extra time was tense but eventless. So penalties loomed, and our history of missing our last five penalties (yes, five) nagged at our nerves. Louis stepped up, and bang, make that six in a row. Hog settled our nerves, but then Luke suffered Louis’ fate. Then Calum stepped up to give us three out of five. TYP put one over the bar, and then Jake saved well with his feet, so now, sudden death. Harry LA planted the ball high and wide of the keeper, leaving Jake to face the TYP player. Understandably, nerves got the better of him and Jake was able to push the ball away. As the team celebrated, our fans, unsure of the rules remained silent. It took at least ten seconds for them to realise we had won!
It had been a good match. TYP were tenacious and well organised – no doubt we will be seeing more of them next season. We were at times sublime, but mostly half baked. I must stress that I remain committed to balancing our desire to win with trying to let all the lads in the squad learn from playing competitive football. The result is that we often field a team of mixed abilities, and so we should.
Thanks to James for running the line, Val for snacks, and Rob and Neil for helping with the goals. Dianne took the kit – again, thanks.
Man of the Match – Harry LA – the youngest player on the pitch but one would never know. After much moaning from me, a performance to shut me up.
Dave |