The game started with both teams vying for concerted possession with both midfields seeing plenty of the ball. Initially, neither side could generate much penetration and the only shots were from range. As the game settled down we started to take charge and were winning the midfield battle. We held our shape and pressed high, pushing Woodnesborough back and then pinning them into their own half.
We began to move the ball faster and pulled the opposition across the pitch. Paul C as the striker was the focus for the balls out and he held it up well for the midfield to join from the flanks. One such move saw the ball played wide from Paul to rob who squared the ball to Shaun joining who calmly slotted the ball passed their keeper for us to take the lead.
We were now certainly on top and Dennis and Mike at the back were comfortable in defence and pushing high when we had the ball. Andy and Rob J were finding space wide and a constant outlet.
Our second goal came from a Woodnesborough corner. The cross was intercepted by Andy who quickly passed the ball through the middle to Paul. He held the ball up as we came forward in support and his ball around the corner set Shaun free and again his calmness in front of goal saw the ball passed into the net.
Woodnesborough were still a threat and kept pushing to get something before half time. They began to have more possession but we held our shape and forced them to play in front of us and any shots that created went tamely wide or were blocked.
Half time arrived and we went in with a two goal lead. The half time talk was short and sweet. Don't change anything but watch the non walking as we were already totting up the run count.
The second half saw Woodnesborough come out of the blocks fast. they were obviously keen to get back into the match. We absorbed the initial pressure well and soon started to get more penetration and possession. As Woodnesborough pushed we were able to counter. Paul was always the out ball and when needed it relieved the pressure but we were doing just as well playing out of defence and taking the ball to Woodnesborough.
We again were dominating the midfield. A ball out from defence found Shaun and he moved the ball initially left to Andy and then switch right. Shaun had continued forward and Rob's ball down the line found him in space and his low hard shot beat the keeper and went in off the post.
We continued to push and Paul, Andy and Rob all came close to extending our lead with Paul rattling the woodwork. Both teams were, however, walking the indiscipline tightrope on 3 running offences.
We broke down the left with Andy spotting Shaun free in the middle. Unfortunately, his pass was overhit and Shaun was deemed to have not walked to catch it, with Woodnesborough being awarded the penalty. This spot kick was well despatched with Jan having no chance.
Within minutes however, we had teh opportunity to restore the 3 goal lead when we too were awarded a non walking penalty. Mike placed the ball on the spot and decided to go down the middle with power. Their keeper stood still and strong and the ball hit him and rebounded to safety.
Both teams were now getting tired as the game drew towards it's conclusion. Woodnesborough were now throwing everything to try and get back into the game and we started to ragged. Dennis came off having felt a slight groin strain and he was replaced by Steve P. This meant a bit of a reshuffle with Rob J dropping back into defence and Steve P playing wide right. We, by now, were getting hemmed in but we defended resolutely and managed to get the ball away and out of danger. Woodnesborough had a flurry of corners but again we defended well and kept them at bey.
The final whistle came and saw us victorious. Woodnesborough Bees 1 - 3 Canterbury.
My thanks to every man who did absolutely everything that was asked of them and more and left noting in reserve. A fantastic effort and a thoroughly deserved victory.
Additionally, my thanks to Cedric who was an unused substitute but remained poised and ready.
Also my thanks to the supporters that turned up encourage this team,
Finally, anyone could have have won this but for his hattrick on debut, the Player Of The Match was Shaun.
Paul
