We knew we needed 3 points to secure 5th place in our league of nine teams. That would mean, cup games and friendlies included, that we would have won many more games that we had lost or drawn this season. However, we also knew that Boro were grinding out some better results now, and had an impressive 2-2 draw a few weeks ago. It was not a foregone conclusion by any means.
Despite this, a couple of illnesses and an unfortunate accident to our "engine room" player meant there was an opportunity to experiment. So we did.
James B returned to goal, Josh started as CB with Jack just ahead of him as DM, Luke switched to the RB role, with Harry C back as LB. Harry R stayed as RW, with Sam and Marcus as CM's, and Tom now as RW. Lucaas moved up in a free role behind Thomas as lone striker. The lads were told clearly that the formation was liquid, and would be changed as necessary.
Boro Alliance came to get some sort of result-they held us off for nearly 10 minutes, and even caught us on the break twice. This took us by surprise at first, but we soon adapted and played the flanks well, to bypass their flooded midfield. Sure enough, a ball from the wing found Jack, who neatly threaded the ball through three players and found Harry R running on to it, to sweep by the keeper for our first. Harry had a hand in our next a few minutes later, when his curling corner ricocheted around the goalmouth, only to find Sam, who struck an unstoppable shot to claim his first of the season. It was at that point that their goalkeeper started to come alive with a series of incredibly brave saves, even diving at the feet of Harry, charging for goal. This seemed to inspire his team to rally, and they began to play some deft touches in midfield. Luckily for us, Josh was ready and waiting and cleared every ball, ably assisted by Luke and Harry. Ball play was switched to the wings again, and Lucaas won the ball in our half, skipped around their defenders and slotted a neat pass straight to Harry's feet, where he stood unmarked. Harry doesn't often miss from there and he didn't. Great teamwork. As this worked well, it was repeated twice more before half-time-despite their goalkeeper's valiant efforts.
Boro's heads were down as the second half started, but some drastic changes on our side, to allow our subs to have a good period of playing time, could have encouraged them to attack more. And they did. Marcus drew back to CB (to give encouragement to our fresh defence of Owen and Miles), Harry R went back to LB, Josh joined Sam as AM, Liam came on as CM. Bailey came on as LB when Harry R was injured. It was different role, different job, for nearly everyone. Boro's right winger then proceeded to single-handedly turn the game. His blistering pace and close touches left our rather overconfident midfield standing. It was left to Miles to show what he could do, and Bailey to stride into his probably the best performance for him this season. We could then afford to let Marcus to come back up for corners and attacks. A few knocks to players meant they had us pinned back for a while, but then our wing play delivered again, as Lucaas' ball found Tom, who neatly twisted and turned and piled the ball home. Boro still came at us, testing James for only the second time in the match, but we intelligently let them come at us as tiredness crept in, and our new midfield simply stole the ball and drove forward, catching them on the break. Liam got hold of the ball on one such counterattack, and he knew what to do and made no mistake. In fact, he remembered 4 minutes later, when he did exactly the same. Boro valiantly tried to rally one last time as the clock ticked down, but as any storybook finish would have it, an injured player came back on and scored the last of the season-Harry R. That wrapped things up for this year, but I would like to take time to applaud Boro for their determined, "never say die" attitude-right up to the end. I think most of you will remember us this time last year-we were in the same position-and I look forward to seeing Boro next year, when I truly believe the improvements will show further.
Man of the Match. Although I'd love to give it to everyone today, there was only one person I can give it to-Harry R. A splendid, focussed, and deadly performance. Well done!
So there we leave the season this year. It's been a season of growth, changes, and it hasn't been easy in any way. There have been good times and bad times, but I feel it's been an incredible journey for everyone. The whole basis of the Gold Team was to take those not benefitted by specific training or experience, and to let them have a chance at achieving and learning through football. I'd like to think we've done that-we're vastly improved, and that's down to the lads themselves. That's something to be proud of. I just hope we've helped them along the way. I'd like to thank Arden and James for the unyielding support and assistance-we wouldn't be here without them-or you parents, friends and supporters. Your contribution behind the scenes and on match days has been staggering. I'd also like to especially thank Marcus for his stint with the team, and his excellent captaincy-he really helped us rally mid-season and gave us that edge we so badly needed. Good luck!
Thanks to our Sponsors, Raunds Manor, and to everyone that has supported us this season!
Dave
