Corby Kingwood Kestrels 4 v Thrapston Town 1
Thrapston went in to today’s game very
much as the underdogs, as they took on the Corby Galaticos,
currently sitting atop the blue division. Nothing to loose,
everything to gain - The spectators and players hoping for
a Ronnie Radford, or (whisper it) a Lawrie Sanchez moment
to cause a major cup shock. As it turned out, they will be
concentrating on the league for the remainder of the campaign,
with no cup distractions.
Now Christmas may just be around the corner, and around the
globe, in places like Vietnam, they might be thinking of hanging
the glitter, but as today’s game started, the Kestrels
found the Thrapston defence and midfield in a festive, giving
mood, as for the first twenty minutes challenges were avoided
and possession was given away all too easily, rather like
that unwanted present from auntie.
In the early exchanges, with the notable exception of Connor
Morson, Luke Rivett and Tom Also, Thrapston looked like a
late last night had been followed by an early this morning
as heads were just not on for the battle despite the instructions
to match the physical strength of the Kestrels kick for kick,
header for header and tackle for tackle. In essence this was
to be the major difference between the sides that would settle
this tie – strength and a willingness to get stuck in.
Corby raced in to a two goal lead, with a something and nothing
challenge resulting in a disputed penalty for the second.
Then the striking combination that had created a couple of
early chances got town back in to the game; a run by Alsop
in to the box and a pass inside, was met by Rivett who stroked
the ball home. Could they come back? Alas no, as the Kestrels
got a third before halftime.
The second half was to prove a much closer affair, with probably
the majority of chances falling to Thrapston, but with alas
none of them finding their way in to the goal. A failure to
clear let in the Kestrels near the end for number four.
In the end a fair result on the performance, and therein
lies the story today – the best sides are the best sides
not just because they have skilful players – this helps,
but they win because they battle and compete for everything.
Lessons that a number of Town boys really need to try and
learn and sing. But hey - this was progress from the league
meeting earlier in the season and so we go in to next week’s
game with belief.
MOTM – Tom Alsop – battling creativity that was
at the heart of everything the side did today.
Final score – Thrapston Town One, Corby Kingswood Kestrels
Four.
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