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A pulsating match that was genuinely entertaining to watch. A neutral would probably say a draw was a fair result, whereas either team could justifiably argue the case for the win. For my money Halstead deserved to win on the chances they created, but we deserved something out of the game for our spirit and refusal to stop playing football.
We started well, and despite a solid ball and sticky pitch showed that we wanted to pass the ball. We were not firing on all cylinders, so we tended to do three things well and then one badly, with the result that Halstead slowly gained control. Our defence looked fragile, and our weakness of a silent team started to cause problems as time after time Halstead threatened with simple balls that left their attacker bearing down on goal with Thomas and the centre backs unclear who was supposed to react. Poor finishing on their part and good saves from Thomas were keeping us in the game. When Jake pushed the winger in the box Halstead were rightly awarded a penalty, and I feared the onset of an avalanche. Fortunately for us, but not for their skipper, the ball flew wide.
Moments later we were one down. Forgive me if I cant remember the detail – I just recall feeling we shot overselves in the foot in the build up, which was probably the same feeling straight after their second. We had not threatened much in the first half – Luke had a couple of shots and Harry C had driven from range, so going in at half time two down was fortunate. A key bonus for us was Daniel as right back – he looked pacy and determined and was responsible for a couple of fantastic tackles and blocks. Well done Dan.
In the second half our four subs came on. Due to number of subs I had attempted to balance the quality out across the two halves. Players such as James did not deserve to be on the bench, but in the interests of giving everyone a game I had to think carefully about the balance of the team.
With the slope now on our side and the subs on, we looked more dangerous. Within about ten minutes Louis responded quickly to his blocked shot and drove his second attempt with power into the net. With age catching me like Usain Bolt I now can’t recall the order of the goals. What I can remember is that Jake thumped a huge free kick goalwards and Harry pounced. I remember Halstead being awarded a free kick after Harry LA had made a fine tackle (he clearly won the ball). The felled player made a miraculous recovery to sweep a neat free kick into the net. I remember after James had hit the post following a great run, Harry C hit a looping half volley over the stranded keeper – a great goal. Halstead hit the bar on more than one occasion and we were riding our luck. Halstead scored from a corner – we stood still to give a free header. The best goal of the game fell to Harry LA – he hit a drive from outside of the box high into the corner. That made it four all. We should have held on, but our confidence eluded us just as we needed it to hold us steady. A ball should have been cleared, but wasn’t and a hopeful ball caught us out, leaving Halstead with an untidy but decisive finish.
Notable performances from Daniel, Harry LA, Patrick and James Burrage today, but the Man of the Match was Harry C - he took his goals well, passed with greater accuracy and worked his legs down to his knee caps.
A couple of points – I was embarrassed that so many turned up late and strolled slowly across the pitch whilst our opposition ran their considered drills. I like to maintain a friendly relaxed atmosphere, but with places being keenly contested those arriving late will risk starting on the subs bench. Also the moaning about individual’s performances has to stop – leave that to me. No-one intends to mess up, and at times we all need a jolt to get us going, but continual rubbishing of our efforts only leaves us divided and weaker. Please bring kit to training. Dianne tells me we have some more kit – will inform as soon as I know.
I greatly appreciated the help setting up and taking down today. Thanks in particular to Kevin for running the line.
Dave |