Men's 2nd Team Vs Ludlow 2nds

CoBHC 2nds       6 – 1  Ludlow 2nds

Goalscorers: Andy Ferguson, Sean Brookes, Robin Stanley, Lindiani Mnkandia, Jahed Islam 2

 With the team captain needed to umpire this game, it was left to Stan to skipper the side for the day. After a well-organised warm-up session, all 16 CoB players were ready for action against their visitors, Ludlow who could only travel with nine players, many of whom were youngsters and included a couple of dads who had not played before.

 In spite of their numerical advantage, CoB took a little time to settle completely but did make the most if the early running. However, Ludlow’s youngsters were showing plenty of desire to get forward without causing any great panic. Gradually CoB settled more into their stride, creating several close chances. Eventually, during a skirmish in the visitors’ D with the ball bobbling around, Andy Ferguson pounced on a loose ball and simply helped it into the net to grab the lead.

CoB continued to press forward and good work by Lindiani down the left flank almost led to another goal. In fact, Lindiani was making many good runs forward but they could not be capitalised upon.

Ludlow were not making it easy for the home side who actually were not making things easy for themselves!! One of Ludlow’s surges forward led to the equaliser as the young forward drove though the home defence and slotted home for a well-earned leveller.

In spite of no coach on the side (apart from John’s vocals) the CoB ‘spares’ were organising the roll-ons and off quite efficiently between themselves.  

Another good run from Lindiani, led to another good chance in the D for Sean to get the final touch and restore CoB lead, which they held onto till half time. Whatever was said during the break seemed to have an effect as CoB came out with more purpose. Stan went very close with one effort. CoB did create quite a few chances but some were simply well saved by the Ludlow keeper.

Eventually, from mid-way through the half onwards CoB seemed to step up a gear and rattled in four more goals.

The third was a great shot from Jahed from the edge of the D

The fourth, by Stan, resulted from short corner

The fifth, from Lindiani, crowned a good performance from him with great shot from a very narrow angle that caught everyone by surprise.

The final sixth goal was another goal from Jahed, almost a  copy of his first.

In the end the team can feel happy with a good score-line to continue their run of unbeaten games since the end of November and 36 goals scored in that sequence.  There were several stand-out performances. Edan, Ian, Jack  and Stan at the back. Matthew, in  goal, had very little to do.  Lindiani was impressive every time it was his turn on the pitch. Old stager, Rob, did his bit to organise things when he was on. No-one played badly – Everyone  did their bit when they were on the pitch  but lessons regarding teamwork and playing with width are obviously on-going projects.

To give credit to Ludlow, they came with limited resources, but they fulfilled the game and made t