The scoreline
masks what was a competitive and hard fought match played
between two good footballing teams. Thrapston had to make
some positional adjustments due to the unavailability of four
players but all the squad contributed significantly to the
overall performance.
Thrapston started the game with great purpose and enjoyed
the majority of the possession but found it hard in the final
third of the pitch where Ise Lodge had a strong and well-organised
defence. Against the run of play a breakaway attack by Ise
Lodge saw them convert their chance well. This was quickly
followed by a freak lob, which left replacement goalkeeper
William Gadsby with no chance.
With absolute credit to the team no one dropped their heads
and with the midfield paring of William Morrison and Ryan
Caller, Thrapston kept pushing forward. Buster Charman worked
hard in the unaccustomed role of centre forward, but got little
change against a strong defense.
Thrapston conceded a third goal again whilst chasing the
game – conceding possession in midfield, Ise Lodge moved
the ball quickly forward to score their third goal. The closest
effort Thrapston had was a rasping drive from Cameron Glynn
that narrowly missed the target.
For the second half Ross Munro was brought on to steady the
midfield which allowed Ryan Caller to move to his natural
striking position as the management team pursued an attacking
philosophy. Extra responsibility was placed on the defense,
which held strong with Mathew Hansord especially rising to
the task with a resolute and powerful performance.
The game became much more open in the second half and swung
from end to end, neither team gaining advantage over the other.
Thrapston were severely punished and conceded two goals when
failing to clear their lines from crosses. William Gadsby
in an unfamiliar role produced some excellent saves as the
game became stretched and chances were made.
Thrapston were not without their opportunities and were thwarted
by some excellent last ditch defending by Ise Lodge when both
Ryan Caller and Ross Munro were well placed. It was William
Morisson who scored Thrapstons deserved goal, slipping the
ball past the keeper from a well-worked move.
Although losing the game Thrapston kept playing good passing
football against a very strong, well-organised team. This
was an excellent performance that showed great team spirit
and plenty of skill – tremendous progress has been made
this season, keep it going. Final score 5 - 1.
Man of the Match – Mathew Hansord - for great determined
defending.
|
