This week saw Bilbrook travel away to Leicestershire for a game against in form Heather Juniors. This was one of the strangest games I have ever witnessed, the referee taking centre stage with some extraordinary decisions, missing some obvious fouls, or inventing others.
As the game kicked off, Bilbrook took the early initiative, putting pressure on the Heather goal, Max having a shot saved, then Jerome and Lewis both having half chances. A free kick on the edge of the box was Heather’s first chance, but the shot was easily held by Alex. Nine minutes in a free kick taken by Elliot fell to Lewis C, who sent a through ball to Max to finish giving Bilbrook an early lead. Heather 0 – 1 Bilbrook.
A Bilbrook corner was cleared by Heather who broke clear when Elliot raced back to make the tackle and clear the danger. Seconds later, a Bilbrook free kick on the right wing was taken by Tom, who whipped the ball into the danger area, the ball evaded everyone and ended up going in the far corner of the goal. Heather 0 – 2 Bilbrook. The game became scrappy now, not helped by the ref constantly giving free kicks for imaginary offences. A goal for Heather in the 21st minute brought them back into the game, the ball was played through to the forward who slotted it past the outcoming Alex. Heather 1 – 2 Bilbrook. The rest of the first half continued with both teams trying to gain the upper hand, however the ref was still the main attraction!! Half Time Heather 1 – 2 Bilbrook.
The second half again saw Bilbrook out of the traps quickly, Jerome hitting a great shot, that was matched by a great save. Minutes later, Heather broke down our right and pushed into the box, while trying to win the ball, Ben held his man up and a penalty was given. A well struck shot from the spot gave Alex no chance. Heather 2 – 2 Bilbrook. More scrappy play followed when the ref called the captain’s together, no one seemed sure why. Even more remarkable was the booking the ref then gave to Max, who although can talk for England, on this occasion had said absolutely nothing. The game rolled on, a cross from the right wing found Sammy at the far post who looked sure to score, but somehow the keeper managed to save it. A through ball to a Heather forward saw him through on goal, he went round Alex who stuck out a foot which took the striker down, the ref seeing it as a dive!!!
Mandy Findley
MANAGERS NOTES
A good battling performance. Points to note: We need to hold the ball, although we have mentioned that long balls are important to feed forwards we need to be careful we are not just doing that. We put in a good work rate saturday but again we gave away a 2-0 lead. All we had to do was hold the ball, kill the game and be patient. Include short and long passing combinations into our game with creative movement off the ball.
Solid performances all over the park especially from man of the match Elliott Alves. Also very close contenders Karaam Dosanjh, Max Morris, Lewis Cornwell and Tom Harley. A good performance and debut form Troy Myles.
Well done all round enjoy and play with a smile.
