Today was a perfect day for football. Perfect conditions.
Archie and the boys went to Tornado JSC knowing that a win would take them off of the bottom of the table. Before the game started I told Archie that I was expecting a good game from him, and for him to play as part of a team. Conrad had already had words with the team on Saturday afternoon about them arguing amongst themselves and how if they all put the same effort in, the rewards will come. Well, today was a fine example... with only one or two little hic-ups along the way.
Myself and Grand-Glyn were there as always along with Dena and Charlie, taking advantage of the nice weather.
Archie started and finished the game in Left midfield.
The game started at a very quick pace. Both teams battling for the ball, but I would say that Evergreen were the stronger team. Archie, Lewis P and Harry F had a few chances and for some reason all were resorting to long range efforts, most straying wide and some forcing saves from the opposition goal keeper. The long range shots stopped and normal play resumed. Archie and Lewis P looked exceptionally threatening, always charging forward and very good link up play. No doubt they were able to get forward more thanks to the cover they received from Lewis C & Harry C in defence and also Harry F (who also broke forward) & Adam in midfield. The boys finally broke the deadlock with not much of the 1st half left to play. The ball broke for Lewis P to run on to and he managed to hit it hard and low into the bottom left corner. The keeper had no chance. We resisted a few attacks from the home team and Anthony made some fantastic saves in goal. Half time came and we went in 0-1 up.
The second half started at a similar rate of speed, with JSC making some breaks for goal. The game also started to get a little heated, free-kicks were awarded to both teams. One of the hic-ups that I mentioned earlier then happened. Archie clearly barged a JSC player off the ball and a free-kick was awarded. Harry F decided to argue to decision. Conrad wasn't having any of it and pulled him off the field. With only 7 players available, it meant that the boys were playing 6 against 7. It was Conrad's intention to keep Harry F off for 2 minutes to allow him to calm down, but after the time was up, he refused to go back on. While this was happening, JSC put the pressure on for 5mins then went in for the kill and levelled up the scores to make it 1-1. Centre was taken and within a minute or so, some more good link up play enabled Lewis P to respond with a great goal. 1-2. After some encouraging (and strong words) from Harry F's Mum, he took to the field again. From there on, the game turned into a bit of a goal fest. Archie bagged himself a goal after he was provided with a cross from Lewis P. 1-3. He was unlucky not to get a second on 2 occasions, hitting the post with 1 attempt and slotting the ball wide after nicely chipping over the keeper. Then, returning the favour again Archie played Lewis in for his hatrick. 1-4. Harry F also got in on the act and made it 1-5.
A very good game today and with that win it meant that Evergreen were lifted from the bottom of the table. Not only that, but with Comets Cougars losing to Chorleywood Tigers, we jumped 2 places higher to 3rd from bottom... or as I like to say; 6th.
Archie is unfortunately not available for selection for the next game at the weekend and it looks as though a league game will have to be played on a week day during the Easter holidays which will also mean that he won't be able to play that game either. He is looking forward to the thought of facing Herons in an 11-a-side friendly game which hopefully will happen on 10th April. Also, he looking forward to the Challenge cup quarter final game that will follow on the 11th April.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment