Match Report

The Sunday Team took on an in-form Defiance team on the back of a hard earned win last week. The new management team of Connelly and Pester settled on a similar starting side from last week with Mark Edwards bravely returning in goal after recently damaging his ribs, and Lee Cleaver taking over the left back position.

Once again the team talk focused on our own abilities and the need to work harder than the opposition. On a nice pitch the first 20 minutes saw the usual frenetic start dominated by midfield endeavour. Defiance started slightly on top as they played 5 across the midfield and we tried to win tackles to stamp some authority on the game; however Defiance during this period were limited to long shots as the back four of Pragnell, PG, Wright and Cleaver looked extremely solid and gradually we started to impose ourselves across the pitch as the half wore on.

The half time talk focused on using our flanks more as both Jason and Dan were getting a good deal of joy against their isolated full backs as well as the need to take a little more time when on the ball as our running off the ball was allowing for simple, effective football. Barry and Adam up front were testing their centre backs and not allowing them time to dwell in possession and from 2 separate well worked moves, one starting on the left with Dan and the other on the right with Jason, Barry was unlucky to hit the bar and then the post in quick succession. As our dominance grew so Defiance became argumentative and then from a set piece the ball broke to Matt W just inside the box who hit a low stinging drive that was somehow miraculously saved.....however it wasn''t the goalie who saved it but an outfield player giving Adam the opportunity to score calmly from the spot. Colin Judge came on with 15 minutes to go on the left and with Steve Pester marshalling the middle we played out the remainder of time extremely professionally to take all 3 points.

Barry Cleaver got Man of the Match for his selfless running and probably deserved a goal, but the whole squad of players and management can take a lot of satisfaction from this win and will be determined to carry on the run this Sunday at home.