Weekley Rovers Wolves 3 v Thrapston Town 1
This week's game was against the better and
more experienced of the Weekley sides, Weekley Wolves. Boasting
Rushden & Diamonds youth development players, they were
never going to be easy. With strict instructions to play fast
from the the first touch of the ball, we soon had the attacks
flowing well. However, after Craig used his hand instead of
his head to stop the ball right on the edge of our box, the
resulting free kick pinballed around the area and lamely found
it's way into the goal.
1-0 down was somewhat of a shock as we had been playing
well, albeit in a new formation. However, 2 minutes later
and the lack of positional awareness of our players showed
as another easy goal was conceded. It was this that then spurred
on and woke up the team. We went all out forward and within
seconds of each other, Thomas and Jordan had hit the side
netting. Weekley did try to push us back hard and Matt saved
a certain goal with his usual heroics. Lewis was starting
to settle in his new role when Jack was injured in a very
hard (late) tackle and Harry had to come on to help him in
defence.
As the team tried to settle into their new positions, a
speculative shot by Weekley slammed into the far post away
from Ethan's lunging dive and somehow sat on the floor and
waited for an attacker to literally tap it in. This was a
blow that would have caused any other team to drop their heads
as the half came to a close, but not us.
George came on for his goalkeeping debut in the second half
and Jack was back on for Jordan. Weekley came roaring out
, full of confidence, and their forwards soon put George under
pressure, which he handled very well. Matt then performed
yet another wonder save, normally seen on Match of the Day,
which somehow ignited the Thrapston spirit again. Thomas took
control of the midfield with some great footballing tactics
and balls were threaded through deftly to Jack, Jordan and
Craig. We then spent some 80% of the second half pinning Weekley
back with wave after wave of attacks. Lewis and Harry held
the back line really tight. allowing Matt to move forward
and try some shots himself. However, a rare counter-attack
by Weekley saw another hard tackle finally take Lewis out
of the game and Lucaas was forced to come on for the last
minutes of the game.
His trademark surging runs on the wing made many chances
but somehow these were not converted until Craig suddenly
took the ball from our own half, worked his way right down
the pitch, passing players as if they weren't there and slot
home the most welcome of goals. We then gathered everything
we had for the last few minutes to try and grab at least a
draw but despite no less than 8 shots, the day was against
us and none found the back of the net. We were on yet another
surging attack with the goal in sight when the final whistle
ended the game. It really was a case of "five more minutes
please!" today but the team had finally showed their
true colours today. There are no easy teams in this league-we
will win the return leg with this team-I have no doubt. Everybody
was calling for the ball, getting involved and trying their
very best. Experience and concentration will bring the rest-and
soon.
Another day we would have won this comfortably, and another
day we will.
MOM Harry-he came on and battled so well today in a key position
where he had struggled recently. He showed no nerves today
and did the job professionally and with spirit. a great example
to the team!
My personal thanks for all the usual help and encouragement
from all the parents and friends! This is your team!
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