Men's 2nd Team Vs Aldridge & Walsall 4ths

Aldridge and Walsall 4ths 1 V 5 Men’s 2s

Goalscorers:- Lindani X3, Noor  and Stan

A wintery and blustery trip to Walsall, on a late Saturday evening tested the visitors on many levels throughout the game.

Having both the regular keepers otherwise engaged, our retired keeper Anthony bravely took on the role, (after being so successful over this season upfront). The team had a bare eleven and needed to contend with a constant wind chill effect throughout the game.

First half the visitors were dominant, the team pushed high and kept the home team pegged in their own half pretty much for the full 35 minutes. Anthony in goal not having a touch. The back three defenders pushed high and were in the opposing team’s half for long periods forcing a high press. The visitors passed the ball around and made intelligent runs for good plays out wide. Lindani out wide managed to get the team’s three goals in this half. With so much possession the only disappointment was not scoring more from good attacking positions.

At half time it was noted that players had begun to be more individualistic and the team started to lose shape. Unfortunately, it was not heeded and the second half became disjointed and the home team got more attacking plays, putting the visitors on the back foot for long periods. The home team had three late arrivals and began rotating substitutes, strengthening their midfield and attack. The game became more even, with possession split evenly and more midfield play. The visitors worked really hard to thwart the rejuvenated home team, with midfield supporting the defence to protect the keeper. But the home team began to win numerous short corners and the pressure eventually told with a well taken goal by the young striker, who turned Infront of the keeper to slot home.

Eventually the visitors began to get some passes together and press for a response. They won a short and Ian played the push to Noor who quickly slotted low right corner beating the defence who were targeting our main-hitter Stan. Stan soon afterwards guaranteed all three points with a back handed lobbed shot high over the keeper landing mid net. Towards the end of the game the home team again had a handful of attacks, which the backline cleared. One instance was a shot at goal with the keeper beaten, which was saved on the line by last man defender Paul who won man if the match for a great save!

Lots of positives in the game and of course another three points, but frustration was evident with many players feeling our passing needs to develop more for our team to push for next level. Great work rate as ever from the whole team, thank you guys.

Next week first home game on our new Astro, new Venue, new time.