Thrapston Town Juniors 3 v Ise Lodge Hawks 1
Remember mid November, the 14th to be more precise, well
that’s the last time we came away with a winning feeling
so it is a nice to welcome back that old friend. So how was
this victory fashioned; partly on the training field, partly
due to grit and determination and partly due to a slice of
luck, which is what you need when victories are hard to come
by.
A few tactical changes to stiffen up the back bone of the
team was required to combat an opposition that have improved
significantly since the start of the season and this proved
the case. Although Thrapston were consistently the better
team Ise Lodge never allowed them to settle into any rhythm
and their persistence often meant they came out on top in
1v1 situations.
So the first half flew past in a midfield frenzy, Thrapston
threatening but seldom delivering with the final ball –
these would have been chances spurned if someone would have
attacked them. Defensively, we looked solid but often feared
that we could be suckered on the counter attack. The half
finished as it started no goals each – with Ise Lodge
much the happier.
So what could be done at half time to rally the troops, Palmer
was introduced for his impactability – big, strong,
skilful and direct – this shook up the game and a few
of the opposition. A couple of changes in midfield and away
we go – with a must try harder ringing in their ears.
Thrapston did go about their work with a more positive attitude
and Ise Lodge found themselves on the back foot defending
resolutely and bravely. The deadlock was finally broken in
the 39th minute when Palmer rampaged through from the half
way line to see his shot well saved by the keeper but the
ball deflected to Caller who clinically drove the ball home.
Happiness and then …. not so happiness, as within a
minute Ise Lodge drew equal when a tepid shot rolled through
keeper Gadsby’s - legs a side effect of the cold when
you haven’t had a shot to save all day. So what sort
of character was in the team, Ise Lodge were certainly up
for it. The game became very even for the next 10 minutes
as both teams slugged it out for domination. Then came the
Thrapston slice of luck when the Ise Lodge centre back was
injured and had to leave the pitch leaving a big hole for
Ise Lodge that could not be filled.
Thrapston gained momentum, Ise Lodge retreated until finally
the weight of attack favoured the home side. Caller fired
home his second goal and in the last minute an own goal was
conceded when an unfortunate defender deflected a cross shot
from G Wright past his keeper.
A welcome win, more battle of the Somme than San Siro quality,
but moving in the right direction. Tougher battles lie ahead
so commitment as well as skill will be needed to the end of
the season – well battled boys.
Team: Gadsby, Love, Hansord, Glynn, Godfrey, Munro, Morrison,
Carter, R Wright, Caller, Reynolds, Palmer, Morton, G Wright.
Supporters Player of the Match: Liam Carter
|
