Match Report - 9th September 2007

What better way to start your league career than with a hatrick? That’s what Sid (Sahir Masters) did and it was inches from four as he also had one cleared off the line. But that seemed an unlikely outcome as Greenford came out of the blocks on fire, won all the loose balls, were quicker and keener to the ball, scored in the opening minute and by midway through the half were 0-2 up. The Bs, on the other hand started like strangers and mistimed and misplaced their passes. But as the game progressed they grew in confidence and belief and soon turned the game around.

The Bs had two other players making league debuts, keeper Stephen Howden and Jay Shah in midfield, both were outstanding. Although the Bs went two goals down they had plenty of the play and won all the corners in the game. They scored from three of them.

Greenford’s opening goals were both defensive errors. The first came from a throw in that wasn’t cleared and resulted in a simple shot and the second came from a high ball that slipped out of Stephen’s hands and was tapped in. But Stephen and the back four redeemed themselves with a really solid performance afterwards that kept Greenford at bay. Stephen went on to produce several excellent reflex saves.

The Bs got back into the game on the half hour with a simple finish from Sid. From a corner, he was put through by Conor and he calmly steered it home. Then in the last minute of stoppage time Russell equalised. Also from a corner that Greenford failed to clear, Russell pounced and smashed the ball into the corner. Great timing and it helped inspire the Bs.

At half time Kyle, who had taken a knock on the knee came off. Luis took over at right back allowing Thomas to switch to midfield. Luis then produced an outstanding display. He won every tackle, every header, intercepted and got forward to support the midfield and attack. Meanwhile Thomas’s switch strengthened the team and midfield and gave support to Jay who got better and better as the half progressed. Ciaran, at left back, also really improved and gained in confidence as the match went on.

The game was won when Sid scored two in two minutes. The first came after George and Conor combined to send him through and the second when he met a near post cross and slid it home. He should have had four when he was sent through again, he rounded the keeper and, as he looked to pick his spot, the keeper scrambled back to pluck it off the line. At the other end Stephen made a great recovery save under the crossbar from a goal bound high shot.

The Bs used their subs bringing on Jordan Wright for George and Fed for Conor. Later George came back on for Jordan Coleman and Conor for Sid. Four minutes from time and Russell, from a great corner by George, made it 5-2, thumping the ball into the net. Greenford had the final word with a last minute lob that Stephen couldn’t reach and the Bs had won 5-3.

Shaky start but a great recovery. They stayed positive and showed good stamina, movement and used the ball really well. All the boys came out of the game with lots of positives. Luis, Russ, Joe, Thomas, Jay and Sid all did enough to win the man of the match award. But for his hatrick, control and determination Sid took the trophy.