| Match Report |
Saturday saw a reunion of old friends, with Linton visiting and, as in the past, an enjoyable game was had. Noah was helping us out in a one-week exchange with Rhys and he donned the gloves for the first two quarters. In the first quarter he was protected by Albie and Alfie to good effect, with the team managing to stop the opposition from scoring. Mia and Vale played particularly well on the wings and Sam, the captain for the day, was his usual combative self. Unfortunately, despite some lovely football, we were unable to create a huge amount going forwards. Onto the second quarter and again the teams were evenly matched. Alfie remained in defence and was excellent once again, this time partnered by Alex. We continued to play some good football, building from some fantastic distribution from Noah, but without a cutting edge. Whilst keeping Linton’s chances to a minimum, a couple of lapses saw us two goals behind at the break. So, at the turn and again kicking uphill I feared it was going to be a tough, but I needn’t have worried. Mia has come on leaps and bounds this season and was able to repel that got past Patrick and Sam, who were excellent in defence. Alex was controlling the game in centre midfield and chances were being created. Against the run of play Linton extended its lead, but reward was eventual received when Albie scored with an early left foot shot. Further chances were created, but these were either repelled by the goalkeeper or narrowly wide of the target. So, onto the last quarter, but now with the advantage of kicking downhill. Sam and Alex were in defence and gave us a sound base from which to build, with Patrick, Noah and Vale providing good support to the front man. One of our many attacks further reduced the deficit, when Albie ignored Noah free in front of goal to rocket a right foot shot from the angle off the near post. Alas, it wasn’t to be our day and a cracking individual goal from one of the Linton players took the wind our of our sails. Despite our football continuing in the same vein, we were unable to claw our way back and, with virtually the last kick, a game of pinball in our penalty area saw Linton win the quarter. Never mind. Everyone played really well and I am immensely proud at how they are improving. They are all getting much better at keeping control of the ball and Sam, Patrick and Alex (as he always has) are showing real commitment in the tackle. Alfie and Mia continue their good form and Noah was a real help - he passes a lovely football. The player of the match was awarded to Vale though, who is getting better week on week, although he either needs to bulk up or wear gloves as his hands were frozen!
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