We were teamed up with some of the orphans from The Mango
Tree to take on a local side from Kyela. I took up my usual striking position
with Ed playing the anchor role in midfield, JJ slotting in at right back and
Neil tucked in at centre half. The pitch was actually one of the better ones
we’ve played on as there didn’t seem to be any death holes lurking around and
we got to wear the Mango Tree kit which was definitely one of the best strips
we’ve played in.
It was clear from the outset that it was going to be a tough game. The opposition was passing it around comfortably and it seemed we would be chasing shadows for the majority of the game. They deservedly took the lead around the 20 minute mark with a long ball over the top. The striker clearly pulled Neil to the ground but no foul was given and he raced on to slot the ball calmly passed our goalkeeper. I did my usual ranting at the ref but to no avail. The goal stood. Minutes later it could have been worse as the same striker was put through clear on goal but somehow managed to blaze over the bar.
We were let off the hook and it clearly gave us some impetus as we started to get a foothold on the game. We forced a couple of corners and then suddenly a high ball was lofted into the area, I managed to get a foot to the ball and lifted it up on to the hand of a defender. Penalty. I took the ball as I was feeling pretty confident and placed it on the spot. I ran up thinking that there was no way I would miss and then............one of the worst penalties I have ever taken, straight at the goalkeeper and quite simply disgraceful........but wait, the keeper couldn’t hold on to it and I raced in to lift the ball over his sprawling body and it to the net. 1-1. Lucky and relieved.
The opposition started the 2nd half as they had begun the 1st with attack after attack. Neil and JJ were doing their level best to keep it to 1-1 and Ed was running everywhere in midfield to cover the gaps that were being left. They made it 2-1 after the hour mark with another calm finish and again could’ve made it worst but for poor finishing. The game changed with 15 minutes to go as JJ and Neil ventured further up the pitch and we had more attacking options. We attacked non stop for the last 15 minutes but just couldn’t get the breakthrough. Neil had joined me in attack and JJ was helping Ed to take control of midfield and it was working. One minute to go and Ed lifted the ball over the defender, the ball bounced once outside the area and then I smashed it right in the sweet spot. I was thinking definitely 2-2 but then it smacked the underside of the bar and then down and in to safety. So a 2-1 defeat on another scorching afternoon but a brave effort against strong opposition.
Team – JJ 7, Evans 7, Ed 7, Andy 7
Andy
Superb post and great job guys.
Posted by: powerstrider | 09/30/2010 at 09:03 AM