Today the pitch was still a little marshy and despite our best efforts to get a quick start on our new formation play, a misunderstanding by our midfield let the ball by FC Aztec scored a very neat opener. Where we might have folded, we didn't. Our new forward line of Josh Chappleow, Jordan and Lucaas (changed due to illness) tried to bring the ball forward and we started to drive into their half. However, there was no end product and we were repeatedly caught on the break, and only kept in the game thanks to some terrific saves from Sam. However, even Sam could not stop their next goal which came near the end of the first half, when Matt was unusually beaten by a very heavy tackle and Harry was stranded on the far side, allowing their striker open access to pick his spot. We were now struggling to maintain our shape and their next came a few minutes later when Sam uncharacteristically dropped the ball he had so valiantly just saved and their striker followed up for a tap in. 3-0 at half time. After a strong team talk, and no team changes, the same team returned and went all out for goal, with wave after wave of brave runs. They still caught us out on the break, with our defence being caught out too far forward and goal number 4 being slipped in with 3 strikers coming on to face Sam, giving him no chance. They also hit the post 3 times-we were giving them far too much space and time and on the ball, despite Josh and Lucaas trying to win the ball to release Thomas. Jordan was then replaced in a tactical switch, with Lewis coming on to bring his characteristic blazing tackling to shore up the midfield. Ethan then came on for Sam and was immediately under pressure. He was faced with two forwards and valiantly claimed the ball at their feet-twice within two minutes-enough to warrant a round of applause from the opposition's managers. Lucaas then went on three of his surging runs, striking the post twice. Again they played the ball through the middle and we had no reply as their fifth went in with only minutes remaining, again a mistake in not covering each other in defence. Yet again we tried to hit back with Thomas playing the ball from Matt up to Lucaas who played in Josh in an exciting move, which was sadly stopped by an unkind rebound. This was not going to be a good day as there was confusion over a goal kick as the final whistle went which was barely over the line, and their striker actually held for a few seconds before lobbing it beyond Ethan for their final goal. Their manager actually offered to discount the final goal, as a sporting gesture but I refused, as it wouldn't make much difference today.

    At times, we played with so much promise but it seemed like there was a lack of the familiar "Gold Spirit" previously so ever-present. This may be a bad day at the office where everybody made elementary mistakes, but we should take heart simply because we now expect so much more than before. We know we can do it.

 

Man of the Match: Lucaas. Chosen by James for his surging runs and effort, despite being injured and playing on.

 

Thanks again to all the parents, friends and guardians for your support.