Coach 1 vs 7 Saracens Head

<p class="MsoNormal">Already missing key figures, including the gaffer Mike, Coaches&rsquo; prospects took another hit before kick-off with the news of Dave Farr&rsquo;s hangover and non-appearance, forcing a last minute reshuffle by stand-in manager Tim. On the plus side, everyone else was present and correct in plenty of time to get changed and warmed up ready for the game. <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal">After conceding quickly in their last meeting, it was imperative to avoid a similar start this time around, and things were looking good until a misdirected header allowed a Saracens forward a free run on goal, a chance which was duly converted. An incisive through ball lead to them doubling their lead half way through the first half. This seemed to spark Coaches into action, and they began to get a foothold in the game. Nick Malkin and Mitch in midfield started to exert some influence on the play, and tackles were being won all over the field. This was exemplified in the build up to the equaliser. A ball into the Saracens box was cleared out to Tim on the right, who cut inside his marker, but a heavy touch meant two big tackles had to be won in succession, and the ball was forced through to Mitch in the penalty area. A lovely first touch put the marauding midfielder on the turn, before he was scythed down for a penalty. Nick confidently strode up and despatched the spot-kick in the bottom corner. 2-1 and if anything an equaliser seemed more likely than Saracens pushing further ahead. In the dying minutes of the 1st half, a Saracens corner following another great save from an injured Mark was met by a strong defensive header from Nick, only for it to ricochet off the back of an attackers head and loop in. a cruel way to close the half. <p class="MsoNormal"> <p>That late goal may have dampened the spirits of what was a decent comeback in the first half. Tim and Dale tried to rally the troops at half time, and the second half start brightly, but once again, set pieces became the undoing of Coaches. Two quick goals from unmarked headers at corners put the game seemingly out of reach, until a glimmer of hope came in Saracens going down to ten men. A raking through ball from deep from Tim found the tireless Sam Ward, and his goal-bound lob was saved out of the area by the keeper &ndash; red card!! Nick blazed the free-kick just over the bar. Unfortunately, the one man advantage lead to more goals for Saracens, rather than Coaches. In trying to attack more, spaces were left at the back and Saracens struck two goals on the break as coaches seemingly lack the quality to break through at the other end. 7-1 seemed a flattering final score for Saracens, but they deserved the victory no less. Hopefully, the return of some more attack-minded players will help Coaches bounce back quickly next week.