Up this week was Kingsway in a double header. For me this was a relative unknown. We had played them in a one day league where we beat them on penalties after drawing 0-0 at full time but that was pretty much all I knew. I also was aware that last season, although playing in Div 4, they went the full season loosing only 2 matches and this season having only played 4 games, there was only 1 loss on the board. This clearly wasn't going to be an easy week and with 6 points up for grabs, we needed to be hungry.
GAME 1.
As the whistle blew we couldn't have asked for a better start and with only circa 10 seconds played, Connor put a neat ball through for Karsen to chase and and into the bottom corner he slotted it. This is what Karsen is all about, give him balls to chase and he will do the rest. Connor deserves a mention here because it was his great vision that created the chance out of nowhere.
Next it was all about the subs, Isaac and Denva. A determined pass from Isaac and gritted tackle from Denva found the ball in the back of the net again. First goal for Denva of what Im sure will be many.
Next a familiar story, its all about the subs ! Big Harry B was brought on and soon enough was amongst the action setting up Isaac who neatly slotted the ball across goal and into the corner. Another first goal of the season for Isaac. Great to see this as he sometimes appears to lack confidence so hopefully this will give him a well earned boost and push him on to many more goals for the remainder of this season.
This is how the first half ended 3-0 to Chellaston.
After the break we were playing into the wind, we told the lads to not be over confident as although playing well, we did have the assistance of the wind so they must dig deep and keep playing as we had. Thankfully this is exactly what they did. Although more challenging playing in these conditions we were always in control and Kingsway never really looked like they were at the races.
in a carbon copy of the first goal, once again a neat through ball from Connor sent Karsen racing away where there would only ever be one winner. 4-0 to Chellaston and this would become the final score.
This was a great display from Chellaston from start to finish. We had a full compliment of subs, all of which were used and every one of them did there job exactly as asked. Man of the Match could have gone to a few, Isaac set one up and scored one, Connor set 2 up, Karsen scored 2 but for me, it had to go to Harry Leach. His grit and determination in the middle of the park was second to none. His work rate was immense and although he has had a bit of "constructive criticism" over the last couple of weeks, this has only been because he has set his own standard so high. Absolutely fantastic today and back to his best. Well done Harry.
GAME 2.
After such a great performance could the second game match it. As we kicked off we were once again back in control, we had the wind with us again and it looked like a similar scoreline could ensue. No matter how hard we tried however we just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. We changed formations, players but we couldn't break the deadlock despite having nearly all of the ball and we're creating many chances. It just looked like it was going to be one of those games.
As the whistle blew for half time was 0-0. I couldn't quite understand how or why but that's football.
At half time we decided not to change the team too much as the team currently out there were playing well but we just needed a break and almost didn't want to upset the balance. We explained this to all the lads who were all on board and wanted another 3 points just as much as Brendan and I.
Again when the whistle blew for kick off and we were in charge once again, no mean feat this playing against the wind. The players from both sides were visibly tiring and who could blame them, in my opinion 100 minutes of football is too much for kids of this age but we have to do as instructed by the FA so on we go.
Chancers came and went with nothing to show for it and Brendan and I wondered if we would ever break this dead lock, but then the ball left came out for a throw in, Finlay N rushed to take it and he saw Karsen make the run behind the defenders, a long throw over the top once again gave Karsen to chase and chase it he did, one and one with the goal keeper and Karsen came out victorious once again. Fantastic 1-0 to Chellaston and this is how it would end.
What a day of football, great to be back playing and even better to be playing on a surface where we could show our talent and capabilities. Another 2 wins on the board, another 6 points and back to the top of the Division where we belong.
A truly great performance from all of the lads, they were fully in control all day and got exactly what they deserved. To play 100 minutes of football, score 5 goals and conceding 0 is exceptional, particularly against a team who are flying high and not used to loosing.
Man of the match for this one was Jeevan. Again fantastic all day, controlled his line well keeping them organised and won every battle he was in, long may it continue.
Next up is Allestree who previously beat us with the help of the storms. This is one I know we can win so hopefully we'll do exactly that and keep this run going. Im not overly sure if we will be able to play at their ground as scheduled though with the flooded pitches and the rain expected to continue but it may be an option to play at Derby Uni again. Whether this will incur a small cost is yet to be determined but before anything is booked we will obviously confirm everything to you all. Many thanks for all your ongoing assistance with all of this this season.
