Match report
This was like a semi final for The Colts squad today as winning would earn them a trophy by way of ensuring 2nd place. They approached it well, pre-match went like clockwork and they looked ready to go. It was like reading a book for the 20th time though, same old story. The first 20 minutes were controlled, the defence looked comfortable, the midfield had the upper hand and the forwards had chances. Then our achilles heel was breached, long ball over the top, concentration levels lapsed and after we failed in our attempt to clear our lines, our keeper was lobbed and 1-0 down we were against the run of play. That led to a bit of panic and disarray and although we had our chances and a decent penalty appeal waved away, we huffed and puffed and failed to do our basic jobs for the remainder of the half, looking 2nd best in the process.
Still half time brought about some home truths, we were doing ok but no-one was playing particularly well and they were told to go out and raise the bar and they did. Character opitomises these lads and again, after looking as if today would be a day that they would falter, they ground it out, it wasn't pretty but they did what was required. Fagan levelled after the referee seemed to have missed a foul on the keeper but again we fell behind to another long ball over our back four. We have worked on this so many times, the back four must think about their concentration levels, you worked perfectly for 20 minutes but then seemed to have had your memories wiped as you forgot the basics. You must all constantly be watching the game and be ready to react. To be fair, that was their only 2nd half attempt, and goals from Wellman who followed in his own shot to tap in and Widget Hennessy who stylishly flicked home a cross ended up winning us the game. I think it was a fair result on the balance of play as their keeper denied us well on four occasions whereas Patel who virtually played as a sweeper by judging his coming out to collect the ball perfectly, didnt have a complicated save to make.
Well done boys, 2 or 3 to go!
Patel: Does the basics superbly well and it has been a pleasure to have him keep goal for us. Try to talk more to your sleepy defence.
Hennessy: Bit off the pace today but it was apparent why as he was taken off to hospital with a suspected hernia from the pitch by ambulance. Got the winner even so.
Grosvenor: Superb pace and strength but dont rely on it. Work on being in better positions to allow you more time on the ball. Concentration!
Couch: Good 1st 20 and last 10, the wheels came off a bit in the middle. You must concentrate for the whole match and focus on the basics. You good enough to cope. Concentration!
Hill: Similar to Toby. Losing your rag when things are not going our way will only enhance the likelihood of further mistakes. Concentrate on the job in hand and hold it together.
Oakley: Not one of your most stand out performances but did enough and worked for the team responsibly. Remember that you have added responsibility and have to keep the team together. We fell apart a bit at 1-0, 2-0 may have killed us but that is "ifs buts and maybes now"
Sarapong: Again, not one of your stormers but this was a tougher game and they had an extra midfielder. All effort while on the pitch and that is all we can ask of you.
Parker: Tried too hard in 1st half JP but against your former team we had a feeling it would happen. Not the sort of game for you to show yourself in the best light but you still influenced us. Composure and defensive detail when playing midfield!
Borg: Didnt see much ball today Si and got a bit caught out in the nature of the game, too hussle and bustle for you to get any time on the ball.
Wellman: Bit sleepy in the 1st half at times and were denied by 2 good saves, more lively in the 2nd and made it harder for the defenders. Important goal and your reaction was up to speed. That can be the difference!
Fagan: Was possibly our only player who was up to speed in the 1st half and was first to react to grab our 1st goal 5 minutes into the 2nd. That goal saw the boost for us to go up a gear or 2! Well done!
Moon: Not much of a game for you today James so I apologise for that but we have to choose the best times for you to progress while protecting the interest of the team and as with Simon, it wasnt the right type of game.
Barrett: Had the last 20 and did a good shoring up job in midfield as well as playing a part in our winner. Build on that Jimmy B!
Dunk: Again not an ideal game for you to play to your strengths but you worked in today.
This win was all abour hard work and desire, we gave both and in a thorough team effort Man of the Match went to Jonathon Fagan who inspired the team with his equaliser. Close behind was Sahill Patel who was constantly aware of the dangers of balls sailing over his defences head. |
