M4 vs Hereford M2
Loss 4-3
MOM: Mark
DOD: Ollie
This week…A really good game.
Our last hurrah away and the furthest distance. Numbers were a little low (surprising hmmm?) But gathered a few oldies, Phil and Shane and returner, Mikey D. And no keeper, we seem to go from GK everywhere to none! So, the emergency glass was broken, and I did the duties in goal (always seem to play GK vs Hereford). It was at least sunny, but to all who have played at Hereford pitch it’s always windy and colder than the rest of the UK.
I’m very glad of Phil’s help getting into and out of the GK kit, as I have missed a bit.
So, reminded the team what we need to do pass, pass and pass some more, but this week introduced a new word ‘intensity’, which I think flummoxed some of the players as we went 3 nil down in the first 10 minutes. Number one, very nicely worked cross and deflection from the right, two flicked short corner in the top left corner (got a slight touch) and number 3 good shot into the corner (the GK was still getting himself set as it went by!). Definite ‘This was going to be a long day’ vibe. Then it was like switch and the team remembered how to play and started to build some position by moving the ball through the middle quickly out to both flanks, Ethan (who has now resigned to playing midfield) and Jenkins made some good runs. Joe was thrown into playing midfield shield and Tom and Ollie were playing well in the middle. Shane popped up to slot home a short from on of our attacks and Hereford hadn’t scored for a full 15 minutes so getting better. During this period, I had made my first save of the day, excellent low hand in the left bottom corner it was from one of our defenders tho’ (Michiel who was having a stormer at left back again!). However, Hereford made it 4-1, after clearing the first shot back went straight back to the attacker and I couldn’t save the 2nd shot.
It was far from down beat in the second half, we were playing well and creating chances and none of felt that that the game was out of reach. Fuelled up and back out we went.
And it was more of the same good build up creating chances, one of which Raoul finished off in the sitting position on the reverse stick! 4-2. Hereford were now creating chances but due to our pressure and, it has to be said ugly GK, caused frustration and the defence of Michiel, Phil and Mr Kim kept cool heads. At one point thought Mr Kim still had sunny’s on but it was just the tan lines from Skiing! Mikey D had a few lightening quick runs from the left from the halfway and shot just wide or the pass just beyond a stick. Will keeps getting right position, he complains all his shots get blocked by a foot everytime (he told me afterwards), then Ollie scored a back post tap in assisted by Raoul or Ollie score a back post tap in that was going in by Raoul – depends on who tells the story, but 4-3! When the final whistle came it was Hereford who had held on to the victory!
Excellent game and the rain held off until we were on our way to teas – bonus.
MOM: Mark – Emergency GK duties
Honourable mentions: Michiel – making left back his own (again)! & Joe P – cracking game as mid-field shield
DOD: Ollie ‘The Poacher’ a back post tap in that may or may not have been going in anyway (it was going in!), Tobias – tactical voting as not present (Skiing) by Mr Kim, and Raoul – voted by Ollie for moaning about goal poaching!