| Match Report |
After last week’s confidence building performance, hopes were high for the trip to Coton. Rhys took the gloves for the first half, facing a stiff wind. It was always going to be tough, but we went with a strong team to start. Samuel and Frankie have formed an excellent defensive partnership over recent weeks and they were protected by Patrick, with Vale and Mia on the wings. In truth, we were guilty of failing to put enough pressure on the ball, which meant Coton had their noses comfortably in front, despite Rhys’ best efforts. Onto the second quarter and this time Albie and Vale were in defence, protected by Alex in midfield and with Sam and Patrick on the wings. We had now got a better grip on the conditions and were much quicker to the ball. Albie played well in defence, marshalling Vale, and was playing some lovely passes to Patrick, who was making some great runs up the left, with Alex doing his best to support. We didn’t score, but kept a very credible clean sheet. So to the turn and conditions would now be in our favour, giving optimism that we may come back. Coton, though, are a decent team and they new to keep the ball on the floor and work it into the corners against the wind. We were being caught out by committing the midfield too far forward and were susceptible to the counter attack. Patrick and Alex tried to work the ball out from the back, which is to be wholeheartedly encouraged, but were caught a couple of times. Mia continued her excellent form of recent, but couldn’t keep everything out. Onto the last quarter and at last we got some reward for our efforts. Alex took the ball towards goal before playing the ball into Albie in front of goal. Albie threaded a through ball to Rhys, who hit an early shot with his weaker right foot into the bottom corner. We had plenty of possession, but were caught a couple more times on the counter attack. Overall, a little disappointing, but there is no escaping that Coton are a decent team and coped a lot better with the conditions. Sam, Mia and Rhys deserve mention for food performances. The team thought Patrick should have received player of the match, but I awarded this to Alex, who I thought was great throughout. Onto next week - a league win is just round the corner.
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