M4 vs Ross-on-Wye Lost 0-1
MOM: Jonathan
DOD: rhinovirus aka “the lurgy”
So, to sum up this week …. frustrating.
First, senior debut for Mateo, excellent game played like he has always been there. In fact, that was the feedback from one our senior plays, Mr Bickell, who has been there done it all, forgot it and done it all again although with more naps.
Second, thanks to Marcus for doubling up in goal for us today and barking orders and/or suggestions at the back and positions, who to mark etc.
So, what do we know about Ross?
· It’s a match we could get a result previous results have been close with a one goal and one we could win!
· It’s always physical
· They have a player who can send down aerials and a very quick and skill full striker.
So armed with all this we stated well, but it didn’t take long for the aerial bombardment to start and jolly effective it was too! Not a common skill in the 4’s dealing with aerials sent from opp. 16 deep into our half, really could have done with a siren, although the shout ‘up it goes’ was nearly as good. When to ball was on the floor, 2 or 3 us by means fair and foul stopped the striker before he could into a shooting position. When we had the ball, we did manage to get attacks going, Tobias was running down the left, so fast that even we couldn’t see him and when he smoked crosses in, we all looked in admiration from at least 10 yards behind. Ethan was doing sterling work on the other flank and Ollie and Raoul up front were eking out space. Ross did score when we missed tackles to allow the striker through and although Marcus saved, but the rebound went back to striker and finished in the top of net, 0-1 at half-time.
To add to the half-time sweet choices, Henry Hippos, Jelly baby’s and oranges, we had a discussion on what is Men’s 4 preferred energy drink, Mr Kim is own brand red bull knock off’s whilst I prefer old school Lucozade. Possible sponsor idea?
The 2nd half was frustrating, we had the skills and pace to match and beat Ross and every now and when it clicked, wow we played some good hockey. As always effort was amazing, Ollie (our returning star from the 3s) demonstrated this by tracking back to win the ball in midfield fed Tobias who shoot off down the wing and crossed in just in beyond Ollie. We did get our breath back as a Ross defender lost a shoe in the D and we paused to discuss with the umpires and Ross, first the rules and then the etiquette of the situation.
But, there is always a but, too often the pass was not quite right, the first touch a little off and we gave the ball away far to often and easily and Ross picking up this free possession had a series of attack and short corners, all of which we defended.
As always effort was amazing and a good team performance, and it ended 0-1.
A must win next week, bottom of the league, let’s get some more points.
Shared MOM: Jonathan – not one but two amazing goal line clearances off the line from a short corners.
Honourable mentions: Will (again)
DOD: Rhinovirus – responsible for 2 players dropping out.
Dis-honourable mentions – Mr Kim (default) bit unfair as he played really well and passed the ball to everyone (us and the opp.) in equal measure.
I have introduced a new feature for DOD, award winners will now be required to provide an answer to the question “In my defence…”
So Rhinovirus….. (with help from ChatGPT)
“You know, every time you catch a cold—thanks to my ever-so-friendly rhinovirus—I can’t help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, this tiny little virus is doing you a favour. I mean, sure, I’m making you sniff, sneeze, and feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck, but maybe there’s a hidden benefit here?”