Men's 2nd Team Vs Stratford 5

CoB 2nds      2        3    Stratford 5ths

Goalscorers : Anthony Truelove, Robin Stanley

As they lined up CoB seemed to have quite a strong set-up with experienced players Stan, JImbo and then Jeevan borrowed from elsewhere to name just a few. However, injured skipper, Paul, was blowing the whistle, whilst not fully fit, Ben, was changed and standing on the side, as 12th man, just in case!

CoB also lined-up using a ‘diamond’ formation. However, the visitors seemed to settle into their stride the quicker, putting the home defence under pressure. It was not long before they won a short corner from which a bullet shot hit the back of the net to establish a n early lead. In spite of this set-back, CoB kept at it and giving 100%. However, the diamond system did not suit the usual style and they found it difficult to get on top of their game. Ben was soon called into action and this seemed to help the team to settle a little. Jeevan moved forward and helped CoB to earn a short corner. The resulting shot on goal was saved. Stratford were looking dangerous whenever they moved forward, but the CoB defence were mainly holding quite firm at this stage with Edan, Ian and Stan not giving much away. A CoB attack involving JImbo who set up  lively Ben ( in spite of his injury) for a shot on goal that was just wide. CoB were still not really working together as a team – some poor positional awareness at times and lots of individual efforts that floundered!! Some slack defending let the visitors in again and Jack had no chance to prevent a now 0-2 reverse. Just on half-time Stratford added their third as another attack down the right was not cleared.

Whatever was said during the break seemed to have an effect. Some positional changes and the diamond shelved. CoB seemed to be playing with much more purpose. A promising run down the right by Matthew Chow assisted by JImbo led to Anthony finishing off the move to pull one back. CoB were creating many more chances with Jeevan having moved into more central forward position adding more much-needed pace. On one occasion Jeevan sprinted after a long through ball, was heard to yell to himself. “You can get this Chagger”. He did, moved into the D and put in a cross that led to a short corner.

More chances were regularly being made. However, the visitors too were still very much in the game but finding it much more difficult to get through. Jack was called upon to make several timely saves. Matthew Kong having moved back from left wing to left back was much more effective. Another run by Jimbo set up another wonderful chance. A diving Anthony almost got to it but unfortunately was injured in the process and went off for a while.  CoB kept up the pressure, looking dangerous every time they moved forward and eventually, Stan scored a cracker to pull it back to 2-3. CoB tried hard to get back on level-terms but the Stratford keeper made some spectacular saves to keep out the now very lively forward play.

It could be said that CoB deserved at least a point out of the game for their stirring second half display. However, whichever way you look at it, is can never be easy to get back from being 0-3 down at half-time.

Next week the team face a stern test away at third-placed  Olton and West Warwicks