Binfield Lions 3 vs 3 Maidenhead Magpies

<p>So after the festive break we were back in action in the 1st game of the new division 1 in the EBYFL, the lads had to work hard to get into the division but will have to work harder to get something from it. <p>We welcomed Maidenhead Magpies for our opening game and having played them in a tournament in the summer we were aware of their ability. &nbsp;Despite the extra training match during the week the Lions started off slowly and sluggish with the Magpies looking lively, they opened the scoring when after not clearing our lines they were left to tap into an empty net as Joe was left stranded, 0-1. &nbsp;Their 2nd came shortly after as after another mix-up we contrived to give the ball away in the edge of the box and the forward made no mistake, 0-2. &nbsp;Although the scoreline was against us you could sense that we could get something from the game if we upped the workrate, with JP, TJ, OH &amp; Zac making it hard in midfield and winning their share of tackles. &nbsp;OH scored a fabulous header from a JP corner, we are starting to score a few fromn corners now, 1-2. &nbsp;The 2nd period came and went with a fair amount of pressure from the Lions but without creating many clear cut chances, the Magpies were again looking to catch us the break. &nbsp;HW was having a good game at the back and being ably suported by Jack, Rory and Ollie C - both Harvey and Ryan had been playing the difficult role of the lone striker, h/t 1-2. <p>At the break we asked for a bit more committment in the tackle, better passing and to move the ball quicker as we were getting caught in possession, defensively they all new their jobs and were doing them admirably. &nbsp;We got back on level terms when after a period of sustained pressure with several shots being saved or deflected wide Ryan swivvelled on the edge the box to rifle a shot into the roof of the net, 2-2. &nbsp;Both teams realised that the impetus had changed and it was the home team who were likely to win the match, JP, Zac and Harvey all going close to scoring, however, following a thundering free kick the Magpies again took the lead with about 5 minutes to play, 2-3. &nbsp;The one thing you can say about the Lions as they have great character and wont give up and with 3 minutes left OH was hacked down and the free kick was only going to taken by one person, OH composed himself and unleashed a screamer into the top corner leaving the keeper no chance, fabulous goal in a long list of last minute important free kicks he has scored over the last few seasons, 3-3. &nbsp;In the closing minutes we attacked like mad to try and force the winner and nearly did so other than a deflection and a bit of bad luck. <p>A decent point in the end for both teams, niether of whom derserved to lose although i think we shaded the game on balance. &nbsp;The team played well as a unit and in truth 3 or 4 players could have won MOM, Joe is really starting to impose himself and put in performances we know he is capable of, all of the 'new recruits' are realling showing good form and fitting into what is fastly becoming a very good side. &nbsp;A special mention to OH who i thought was outstanding, he really showed alot of responsibility in tracking back, covering and scoring 2 great goals in the process. &nbsp;Hopefully we will start to find some rythm as we have sone really important fixtures coming up, starting next week away to the current league leaders California Cobras where a much needed improvement will be required.