Men's 2nd Team Vs Bridgnorth 5

CoBHC Men’s 2nds           1         Bridgnorth 5ths    3

Goalscorer: James Livingston    

The build-up to this game did not seem very encouraging. Three players needed to be promoted to the 1sts for the day, two others in the starting line-up had not played for many months and the Skipper was needed as an umpire, once again, instead of leading his troops on the pitch. The opposition team was a blend of experienced veterans and eager-running youngsters. So, the bare 11 set to looking for their first win.

The game began evenly enough, with both teams taking some time to settle into their stride. The visitors began to enjoy the better of the exchanges, but CoB were working hard  to match them.

Eventually Bridgnorth forced a short corner. The resulting shot on goal was helped on into the net by a striker standing in mid-goal, giving Jack no chance.

CoB gradually increased their efforts and began to create some half chances.

One of our returnees, JImbo, was showing that his time out had not diminished his skills any, as he was strong in defence and instrumental in moving forward into midfield helping to set up the efforts of others around him. Another returnee, Ibrar, was also proving his worth with some excellent defending. Other defenders, Edan and Ian, did not let much get past them. Jordan and Munib were working hard in midfield. Jack, in goal, did not have a great deal to do but dealt competently when needed.

CoB eventually got just reward for their efforts when Jimbo gathered the ball in midfield, went on a surging run taking him passed several defenders, into the D where his shot in goal beat all and gained a deserved equaliser.

So, honours even at the break with the visitors making CoB work very hard for any gains. The half-time chat must have had the desired effect as CoB began the second half very positively. The wingers had been switched. Sean who had been striving away down the right wing now began equally brightly down the left. Kamran, who had been fairly quiet on the left during the first half, suddenly became much more into the game along the right wing. Chances continued to be made but breaking down in the final third. Bridgnorth were continuing to work hard. Their experienced players held firm in defence and their youngsters ran and created chances. Bridgnorth’s second goal came from a free hit on the right, was cleverly switched to the left of the D. CoB defenders did not pick up this move and the forward had a clear shot on goal to grab the lead.

Good work by Sean on the left led to a pass across the D. A diving effort from Anthony just failed to make contact and the chance went begging.

CoB’s efforts began to wane as tired legs began to take its effect. The visitors ensured all three points when a breakaway attack was not covered by the defence and Jack had no chance with the shot on goal.

A game of ‘if onlys’. If only the three players had not been needed by the 1sts, if only the captain had been on the pitch instead of blowing his whistle, if only the team had been able to force at least one short corner,  if only Stan was not out  injured, this match might  well have had a different ending.  Next week the team face a tough task away at Worcester