Match Report - 24th February 2008

Since 30th September, Greenford have won seven and drawn four of their eleven matches. That unbeaten run has taken them to second place in Division 4 and from their performance today you could see why they have been so hard to beat. The team work very hard for each other, are quick to the ball and show good control and movement. They play a very direct style which meant that the Bs back line had to be very alert. So it’s great credit to the Bs, who have been in the top three all season, to have ended Greenford’s unbeaten run.

It took real determination and tremendous work rate from all the players to achieve this. There were great performances from all over the pitch. The game was very tight as the two teams were so evenly matched. There were few clear cut chances as both defences strived to keep the ball out and neither keeper was stretched. In the early stages Greenford had the upper hand pushing the Bs back. Sid was a strong outlet for the Bs dropping deep to collect the ball and trying to work the ball to the midfield players or to Conor. Greenford’s players, early on, were much sharper to the ball and, as a result Sid and Conor were often second to the longer passes. Greenford played a no nonsense style quickly launching the ball forward or diagonally. On a couple of occasions their quick forwards got behind the defence but Russ, Joe and Luis came to the rescue with effective last ditch tackles.

The Bs first half chances fell to Sid and Thomas, two each. Sid had the best opportunity having been sent through by George. He beat the defender, committed the keeper only to steer his shot wide. This was a game where clinical finishing would be the difference. Thomas is always keen to get a shot in from the edge of the area and his two efforts were just too high.

At the other end Greenford came very close with two good chances from corners. From the first they hit the outside of the post after the ball had bobbled around without anyone able to clear. From the second, the ball was initially half cleared but only to the edge of the area. When it was driven back in, a player inside the six yard box was unable to direct the ball on target.

This season the Bs have benefited from a real improvement in the delivery of their corners. George Moriarty and Jordan Coleman now regularly send over inviting, curling deliveries that just ask to be finished. George curled a great corner towards the back post that Russ missed by an inch. Had he made contact there would have been no stopping it. Then on 26 minutes, with the wind blowing towards the goal, Jordan curled a deep corner that eluded the attackers, defenders and the keeper and flew straight into the far corner. Jordan was as surprised as everyone to see it go in.

At half time the Bs had held firm and the team knew they had to keep their concentration to keep Greenford at bay for the rest of the match. The pattern of the game continued as before. George was having a really good game and covers much more ground than all of the other players. He played right across the whole midfield, supporting, offering, winning tackles and using the ball really well. Added to which he never stopped encouraging and keeping the players on their toes. He was involved in a neat move that saw Sid through on goal on the right, but he again sent his shot just wide.

Midway through the half Francis Nkhoma replaced Jordan to tighten up the midfield. Within a minute of his arrival he won the ball and sent a superb ball between their left back and centre back. George took it first time playing it on to Sid who took it into the area, around the keeper and slotted it home. A bit of breathing space came as a great relief.

Francis slotted in well alongside Thomas and Jay and they worked really hard to get their tackles in. But two minutes after the goal Greenford pulled one back. They played a high ball into the area which the Bs allowed to bounce and after a couple of attempts failed to clear. The ball dropped to a striker eight yards out who tucked it just inside Stephen’s right hand post despite his full length dive.

Greenford had the momentum now and really threatened with a succession of four corners that came agonisingly close. Fed came on for Sid who was injured and he and Conor had a couple of opportunities. As the clock ticked down the Bs maintained their concentration and their priority was to seal the game up. A late break saw them win a corner but before it was taken time was blown and they were relieved and delighted to win such a tough encounter.

Both teams have improved enormously over the past couple of years and all the players deserve great credit for their contribution. Both will finish the season in the top three. George richly deserved to take the man of the award. Since he rejoined the Bs, his will to win has rubbed off on the whole team enabling them to achieve great results like this.