Report

This 'friendly' was organised to maintain our match fitness.  The opposition were a late replacement following the withdrawal of the intended team.

It was a cool, sunny, Spring morning.  With only 10 players available to us, the opposition loaned a gifted player to our team to even the numbers.  Both teams started well and the play was end-to-end, with some good moves and half-chances to open the scoring.  The defences were on top, until the deadlock was broken on 24 minutes with a low shot into the corner of the opposition goal (1-0).  Further opportunities to score were generated, by both teams, but the score-line remained the same until half-time.  The opposition made substitutions during the latter stages of this period.

The arrival of another player for us during the break, allowed the loan player to return to the opposition.  We also swopped some player positions briefly at the start of the second-half, before changing them back.  The opposition also changed some player positions, including their goalkeeper, and made numerous substitutions.  On 39 minutes, a run down the wing, pass-back and low shot into the corner of the opposition goal extended our lead (2-0).  Thereafter, our control of the match never looked in doubt and we scored again with a low drive through the opposition goalkeeper on 53 minutes (3-0).  A couple of stoppages for injuries saw the ball sportingly returned to the other team at the re-start.  The final score was 3-0.

Overall, this was a much improved individual and team performance.  Some of our players who usually start matches were absent and this allowed others opportunities to play.  In addition, some players were playing out of their favoured positions and these factors made our performance even more pleasing.  This match was also against a team a year above us and high on confidence after recently gaining league promotion.  We challenged for every ball, were generally first to it, and played with our heads!  There were some good passing moves and generally our positioning was much better today.  Well done all!

Captain ..... Harry Tumber