Another Home Cup Game saw us play a team from 2 divisions above which if nothing else gave us another chance to see what the teams were like in the higher echelons of the league. We addressed this game in exactly the same way we have for all of our games this season - Let's play fair, give it our all, and have FUN. We started off this game very strongly with some great moves and some lovely passing. We were tested on more than one occasion, but with some wayward shots from St.Gertrudes and some good saves from George things remained even and if anything it looked like we had the edge. Again, sloppy tackling from the opposition saw them give away a free kick in their half. With our forwards movement in their area up stepped Oliver to take the free kick which promptly found the back of the net. Half time whistle blows and we find ourselves 1 - 0 up at the break. Buoyed by our score and the way we had played in the first half, the boys were keen to get out and continue with the game hopefully finishing them off. Sadly, a lack of concentration saw an own goal quickly followed by another. Our lead gone and the boys heads were dropping. Great talking again from Oliver who was desparate to gee the team up proved fruitless as St Gertrudes scored 2 quick goals as our misfortune turned into their gain. The team quickly became individuals - no passing, no calling no sticking together to get this back and no getting back when losing possession. However, was a break on the cards??? Ollie Cook had clearly spotted their keeper off of his line as he launched a devasting strike from just inside halfway which sored through the air and under the crossbar to give us a glimmer of hope. This was a welcome strike as the boys started playing like they did in the first half and a comeback was on - could they???? Unfortunately not - our keeper launched himself into save mode but misjudged and the opposition leapt on the ball to score their 5th goal. Final whistle saw us lose 2 - 5.
Whilst this was a loss I am super proud of all the players today as they really are improving hugely and if it wasn't for a few costly errors I truly believe we could of won this game!! We came away learning a lot so plenty of positives to take away from the match.
 
Thanks for reading
 
Neil