Match Report - 14th October 2007

This wasn’t the most entertaining game you’re ever likely to see. Both teams put in a lot of effort but the Bs came out on top thanks to a strong first half display that saw them control the play and score two goals. In truth, the Bs had enough clear cut chances to have had the game wrapped up before half time. But they were squandered and an early reply by St Josephs made a game of it and the result was in doubt right up to the end.

All the players worked hard and showed plenty of effort and commitment. The Bs were quick to get the ball forward for the two strikers, Sid and Conor to chase. Conor, in particular, gave the St Jo’s defence cause for concern as he used his speed to get behind them to chase through balls. He had two very good opportunities as he was sent through but the keeper was quick to spread himself and deny Conor’s efforts. George and Thomas also went close with long range shots.

But it was Sid who gave the Bs lead in the tenth minute with a good run and a composed finish. Put through by a ball over the defence, Sid and Conor combined and then Sid took ball on, rounded the keeper and calmly slotted it home. It was a well deserved lead and set the tone for the rest of the half. The Bs had most of the ball and were in control at the back. Joe made one superb interception racing out from the defence to play an excellent first time pass forward. Alongside him Russell didn’t give the St Jo’s attackers any time or space and constantly encouraged the team.

What the Bs play lacked was controlled passing on the ground. They were to quick to launch the ball over the top and played too much down the middle. Russell went very close with a long range free kick from just inside the left corner – his shot just missed the top corner. Stephen had had very little to do when he was suddenly called into action from an attack down the right. Their cross into the box was met with a fine header into the bottom left corner that looked a goal all the way. But Stephen sprang to his left to palm the ball away for a corner.

Throughout the game the Bs delivered some excellent corners, by George and Jordan, inviting a goal but none of the players in the box were able to finish. As the half drew to a close Sid struck again with perfect timing. Again a through ball caught the defence out and Sid controlled the ball, raced goalwards and tucked it past the keeper.

The Bs looked a bit sluggish as the second half got underway and were punished just two minutes after the restart. From a break on the left Stephen saved a good shot but the ball deflected out and St Jo’s were quickest to the rebound shooting home. The goal gave the visitors a clear lift and they looked quicker and keener to the ball. The Bs made a couple of early changes with Kyle replacing Francis and Fed taking over from Conor up front.

The play for much of this half became a bit turgid. For the Bs there were a few neat passing moves with players getting into good positions but too often the ball was lost cheaply and the move broke down. Midway through the half Jordan came on for Jay and Luis switched to right back. Sid had a couple of chances including one that hit the post and was then kicked off the line. Fed was unfortunate when George put him through with just the keeper to beat. But he never got the chance as the play had to be stopped with Stephen lying injured, at the other end of the field, having dived at the feet of an onrushing attacker to deny an equaliser. The Bs had quickly switched the ball forward to send Fed through but when Stephen remained prone on the ground play had to stop. Fed had another chance a little later but his shot was saved. Late in the game Josh had to go off having hurt his ankle, Thomas took over at left back and Jay came back on in midfield. George also came off, never having stopped running, and Conor replaced him on the left.

There was a lot of injury time following Stephen’s injury and with only one goal in it the full time whistle was a relief for the Bs who had had more than enough chances for a convincing result. There were a few nervy moments near the end but the Bs defence looked solid today and worked very well for each other. Stephen wasn’t overworked in this game but, when called into action, produced some very good saves and for that took the man of the match award.