Men's 2nd Team Vs Droitwich Spa 3

CoBHC 2nds    2     v    1   Droitwich Spa 3rds

Goalscorers : Anthony Truelove, Ben Matthews

In common with most other teams in the league, this was a re-arranged fixture after the frozen pitch from to end the 1st half of the season.

Fielding a pretty strong side, CoB were seeking to pick up where they left off before the festive break. Right from the off, the home side showed their intentions by going onto the attack. Stan was just wide with an early attempt on goal. The visitors too showed their intentions by attacking strongly early on. CoB defence stood firm, with Edan, Ian Paul and Matthew not letting Droitwich’s efforts come to much. Ben, Stan, Noah, together with subs Munib and Jahed toiled away in midfield to set up many chances which unfortunately, at this stage did not come to anything.    Droitwich’s forward play earned them the first couple of short corners of the game but no end product. The latter part of the half saw the visitors enjoy the better of the play and exerted increasing pressure on the home defence. Jack, in the home goal, was very busy keeping out attempts on goal. CoB were very thankful for his, at times, heroic efforts. At Half time CoB were, in spite of their attacking efforts, thankful to still be on level terms. Droitwich were rueing the fact that Jack had kept them out!!

The second half began with CoB making a promising start, pushing on forward whenever possible. After things settled down, Noah went on a surging run through the midfield to set up a great chance. As the ball came into the D, Anthony was on hand to help it home, to give the home side a lead. More attacking play led to more chances but no more goals as yet. CoB midfielders were working hard individually to push on forward but ‘working together as a team’ was not always obvious. Droitwich were still well in the game and forced a short corner. The resulting attempt on goal was only partially cleared, and then put away at the second attempt to level the scores.

The end game saw both sides pressing for the winner and eventually a good CoB attack saw Ben on hand to clinch was turned out to be the winner.

In the end, a welcome win, getting back into the swing of things after the festive period. Everyone worked hard, the defence especially. Jack particularly. Everyone else – good in parts with lots of excellent individual efforts.  Improving team work and link up play are going to be important with some tough games ahead.