Report:
The game got off to a very odd start - since we arrived at the wrong
pitch - in very good time I might add. With no opposition there, a few
phone calls later and we eventually assembled a desperate convoy to the
correct pitch where Burnt Ash were very decent about us arriving so
late.An honourable mention to Toby here - who didn't arrive at the
pitch on the teamsheet, or the correct pitch, but a different pitch
altogether.
After 10 minutes or so to get our bearings, Mark Linzey scored an
excellent goal. A reverse stick flick from 3 yards out that roofed in
their top right corner. The rest of the first half was 50 / 50 with both
sides mounting decent attacks.
With the exception of Rob Mayes, this was one of the more mature 3rd
XI teams of the season, and the opposition possibly sensed this in the
second half when they threw everything at us. For long periods of time
we were camped in our own half, with some heroic defensive play,
particularly from Keith and Steve.
We did have a number of break-away opportunities in the second half,
and we saw some frustration in front of goal as the ball just didn't
seem to fall right for us. It's fair to say that the attacking
partnership of Willis and Bunker didn't quite gell in this game and
following a couple of scoring opportunities we could see why Andy
Patrinos (returning from injury) on the left wing also normally plays in
defence.
All in all though a fine gritty performance against a determined
opposition. Our second clean sheet in a row. We now move up to second
place - teeing up nicely our game at home next week against the free
scoring leaders of our league, Alleyns/KingsCollege.
Finally, a mention for Jonny Mayes, who despite being quite ill with
a horrible hacking cough, turned up anyway in case we were down to just
XI. Who says the youth of today are irresponsible! Thanks Jonny. |