Men's 1st Team vs Newcastle 1's

After an impeccably observed 2 minutes silence a mammoth tussle commenced for the mens 1’s against Newcastle 1’s. After playing them in the cup just 2 weeks ago, a 6-2 scoreline that day flattering to the opposition, we came out fighting looking for a reaction after last weeks poor showing. We started much the physical team and after a few questionable fouls from some of the lads, we had them rattled. After winning a short corner early on, the same routine worked yet again with Josh finding Oli who tapped home to take a deserved 1-0 lead. We started well yet dropped off and allowed Newcastle to execute their game plan, launching the ball as far as they can on the counter… after failing to drop to a half court press they exposed our high line and took advantage to equalise. With the score now 1-1 we went into half time knowing we needed to up our physical workmate whilst maintaining discipline.

The second half started and a needless green from Oli saw us having to handle the pressure. They managed to sneak one past Josh’s near post from the tightest of angles to take a 2-1 lead. We managed to fight back yet again, winning more short corners, and despite a misplaced injection, the ball fell to stopper Ed who coolly and casually slowed the ball into the bottom corner. Newcastle continued to attack and despite a few saved short corners… their South African flicker managed to roof one through both Josh’s to take them into a 3-2 lead. We had lots of chances throughout the game including an open goal miss from Fin and narrow misses from a few more players. We fought all the way to the end and the disappointment shown from the lads at the end meant we still have the fight to push these teams at the top of the table. Things don’t get easier as we now face top of the league Stokesley 2 weeks in a row. MOTM goes to Ed for the best game he’s had this season, with Fin taking DOTD for that open goal miss.