Squad:

Lawrence
Paul
Jim
Colin
Chris
Kevin
Mick
Les

So off to the borough of Woodnes to take on the league leaders and very probable league winners. With several players missing for various reasons, illness, injuries medical conditions or just the yearly migration south, the whole squad have stepped up in the last few games, no more than in last nights difficult away fixture.

Woodnesborough are a tough opponent as we found out in our only loss so far this season back in those heady days of summer, in fact our first games of the season would cost us the chance of becoming champions ourselves as we dropped four points with two very indifferent performances.

Anyway back to last night as the game started with lots of misplaced passing from both teams and we were also guilty of a number of offences, mainly running which overall made things feel very scrappy. Once we got to grip with how the referee interpreted the rules we gradually took a bit of a hold on the game, Chris and Colin forced good saves as our passing improved. It’s not surprising we took a while to settle as we had a few players playing in slightly different positions to normal, something we should really practice in our Monday night session. We were to take a first half lead as Colin intercepted a clearance from the keeper, he quickly prodded the ball through to Kevin who took the pass on finishing low in to the corner, a fine goal.

Half time and we were worthy leaders, just.

The first couple of minutes of the second half were to be costly as we conceded the equaliser, we allowed a little bit too much space as the home forward found himself free on the edge of the area, it looked like his powerful low drive was well saved by Lawrence but unlucky the spin of the ball meant that it crawled in to the net. This gave the Woodies some momentum and we were pushed back for long periods of the half. Paul was magnificent in his central defensive role as he blotted out the danger of the centre forward, Colin and Kev strived manfully to get us further up the pitch but we were firmly under the cosh. Defensive discipline with blocks and closing down space was vital, if they were to get through the ever reliable Lawrence was always in the right spot to make the save.

All in all the result was probably about right as we didn’t get too many second half chances. It was though a very resolute performance as we picked up our third draw in a row; I’m fairly sure that it was the first time the home side have dropped points on their own pitch.

Thanks to Steve Rich for well refereeing a very competitive match which was played without an inch given but in good spirits. Also thanks to Chris and Woodnesborough for their hospitality, especially Mrs Smith for the refreshments, something she had to do all over again for the match that followed us.