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Weston Point Versus Dragon Crusaders

Venue Haddocks Wood Weds 28th Apr K.O 6pm

Heavy cloud and rain were not the only problem with this, the last game of the season for the valiant Crusaders. Due to the Councils determination to force children back onto the streets, they had decided to take the goal posts down at the original venue - Heath Park. But with a quick visit to Haddocks Wood by the oppositions Coach, followed by the ever dependable Joanne and her texting prowess, the game was back on.

The previous game, in which the two sides had met, had seen the Crusaders buckle to some heavy physical challenges with a dash of poor Refereeing, conceding seven goals. But Weston’s recent form had suggested not everything was rosy in the garden, while Crusaders were like the weather â€" mixed.

Chris had decided to go with 3-1-3-3, a formation designed to keep the opposition on the back foot and create chances. It worked well, as every time the ball entered Weston’s half they had to deal with the pace of Chaddy, Kavan and Jacob. Several attempts came to the Crusaders, Sam seeing a good chance just clear the bar. Meanwhile the defensive unit maintained a high work rate, the formation demanding the kept their positional awareness. The poor conditions meant some mistimed tackles, Chaddy with a hand injury giving way to Matty. When Weston did break through the high defensive line, their Striker was met by an out rushing Britt, who for a moment resorted back to his roots and produced a tackle that was more akin to American football. The resulting free kick going over the bar. PJ came on into midfield, letting Kieron have a run up front. The change had an instant result, PJ slipped it through to Kieron, who chased it down into the corner. With a nice drag back he continued his run into the box, where his shot was blocked, but only into the path of the incoming Matty…Goal!

Half time 1 â€" Nil

It is a formation that is narrow, Weston started to find more space down the flanks, seeing more chances being created. But Crusaders were still having their own fair share, Sam slightly snatching at a few attempts from wide left but continuing to make problems for Weston. It became more sC**Ppy and the football wasn’t the prettiest as both teams battled the weather and each other, desperate to finish their season on a good note, Weston finally creating a chance to score and they took it. Crusaders had lost their shape, a rejiggle saw them going back to 4-4-2, Luke going on at right back.

A brace of poor judgments with arms and elbows instead of head and chest saw a string of free kicks given away around the Crusaders box, the pressure was building. Eventually it paid dividends for Weston, the reward a penalty. Its important in those moments that a team don’t resign themselves that a goal is a certainty, it isn’t not with ¾ size goals and one hell of a good Goalie to beat. The shot came in low and hard, Britt did his job and saved, the onrushing striker beaten to the ball by Callum Garner. Brilliant. Only a few more chances came, but like the heavy rain, disappeared.

Final Result 1 â€" 1

Captain Britton Porter MOM Jacob Hough (Moyes would be proud)