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Match Report - 7th February 2010
The Bs finally got back in the points with a very hard fought win at Pitshanger. The Bs went into the game without Stephen whose arm injury hasn’t healed. So Joe deputised in goal and performed really well. The opening fifteen minutes were quite even and both teams played some very good football considering more than a third of the pitch resembled a ploughed field. But gradually Pitshanger took control and dominated the play forcing the Bs back and winning the shot count 12-4. The Bs resorted to desperate clearances but simply fed the Pitshanger back line who rebuilt and worked the ball forward again. It was fortunate that the B’s centre backs, Jay and Ali, were in inspired form. Jay produced his best display of the season and possibly his best ever game for the Bs. Ali, in only his second game, was cool and totally in control – his reading of the game and timing were brilliant. The Bs struggled for opportunities and only Russ and Francis had efforts on goal but the keeper wasn’t troubled. Sometimes when a team dominates but doesn’t score they are vulnerable. So it proved when Russ dropped deep and, with typical determination, won the ball, beat his man and then fed Shomari with a through ball that split the centre backs. Shomari did really well to hold off the challenge and calmly tucked home the opener. The Bs still had to work hard to keep Pitshanger out but they held on for the rest of the half. At the break Jordan came off with an eye injury so the Bs reorganised. Kyle switched to right back, Ali to left back, Russ to centre back and CJ came on up front. Luis replaced George on the left wing. The second half was much more even though Pitshanger looked certain to score from two chances in the six yard box which they put wide. Joe was hardly troubled as the Pitshanger chances went wide but the Bs defence again proved strong. The pitch was so heavy it asked a lot of the players’ stamina and resilience. Kyle ran himself into he ground and Jordan took over again at right back. Nick, playing his first game for over two years, came on up front instead of Francis. Shomari dropped into midfield and Luis switched to the centre. Then Shomari, who had refereed earlier, struggled with cramp and was replaced by George. The Bs put together some good moves and held the ball much better. On the hour Nick and Conor combined to send CJ through and he worked the ball into the area and then confidently shot low past the keeper. Great move, great finish. The Bs held out and despite the first half onslaught came away proud of a gutsy, determined performance. There were good performances from all the defenders, a real battling display from the midfield and the strikers did more good work off the ball than we’ve seen recently which made a difference. Jay and Ali were joint men of the match and showed great focus and energy to cap great defensive work. |
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