Thrapston 1v Corby Hellenic Fisher 1
Last week it was suggested that a diet of irn-bru would help
put steel in their game; on today’s performance it appears
they just chewed on “real Scottish girders”. A
week spent in reflection on recent performances by the management
team resulted in changes in coaching style and philosophy
(evolution not revolution) and many of the seeds sown showed
signs of germination.
0-0 at half time, boring it was not! Hellenics are a big
physical team with more than a liberal sprinkling of talent
and they severely tested the Thrapston resolve and this week;
and we were up for it. The defensive shape was much better
even if at times tackling was luke warm and we rode our luck
at times with Mathew Hansord in goal having his most inspired
game of the season. Up front Caller and Palmer always caused
panic through their power and pace.
More of the same in the second half but against a strengthening
biting wind. Thrapston weathered this storm and that of the
Hellenics and began to assert their footballing pedigree and
it was the Caller/Palmer combination that opened up the game.
Caller did magnificently to get to the byline and pull a cross
back that Palmer had to tap in from 2 yards – we all
felt the pressure barometer rise several bar. Could we defend
like a Scottish rugby back? Well we gave it a very good go.
From a corner we failed to clear our lines and Hellenics
pounced on the chance. 15 minutes to go and all to play for,
and both teams went for it but although both sides had their
nail biting moments no more goals were to be seen.
Improvements in many areas this week without being exceptional
but considering the quality of the opponents (they ran away
with our league last year) we are making huge strides forward.
The players have been told that they are to take more responsibility
for their own performances and it was truly heartening that
they are big enough and maturing so that they do. Lets keep
working towards the 26th wher it will all come together.
Parents Player of the Match: Mathew Hansord
Mathew Hansord, David Morton, Cameron Glynn, Liam Carter,
Graham Wright, Ross Munro, William Morrison, Alex Barlow,
Ryan Wright, Ryan Caller, Alexander Palmer, Harry Doubleday,
Lewis Godfrey, John Davies.
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