Before this fixture, both Crossblades FC and FC North Wiltshire were yet to put any points on the board in the 2011-12 season.
In a one sided game, Crossblades blew away an FC North Wiltshire side who were desperate for a victory on their home pitch at Leafy Lane, Rudloe.
On a flat pitch and in good conditions, Crossblades opted for a change in formation and decided to play a back 3 of Jimmy Squire, Tim Chilton and Liam Matthews. This proved to be a shrewd move by player manager Jimmy Squire with the back 3 keeping the North Wilts team at arms length with assured defensive displays. The solidity of the back 3 allowed Will Wright and Ben Rees to break early down the wings and put the hosts under great pressure.
This pressure told early with an expertly delivered corner by Jimmy Squire being met by the ever energetic Mike Booth, who fought hard in the box and fired the ball home to give Crossblades a deserved 1-0 lead. Good ball winning and distribution from Jack Lowe and probing runs from Chris Walker provided service to Gilbert and Jacobi upfront. Gilbert continued to make runs in the channels and link well with the midfield causing the opposition defence all sorts of problems.
From a rare attack North Wilts won a corner, and with a pin point delivery North Wilts headed home past the previously untroubled John Hampshire. This attempt on goal proved to be North Wilts only chance on goal in 90 minutes. With Chilton, Squire and Matthews winning everything in the air and on the ground, they distributed the ball expertly giving the midfiled opportunities to attack at will. Ben Rees linked well on many occassions with the central midfield, and Mike Booth showed glimpses of the outstanding player he is. Booth's hard work payed off when his tenacity enabled him to square the ball to Jacobi who hit firmly at goal, while the keeper got a hand to it, the power of the shot was too much and Carl got his deserved goal putting Crossblades 2-1 up.
Carl Gilbert was holding the ball up well, and through his strength, he was able to flick the ball exquisitley through to Will Wright, who's pace took him past his man and he smashed his shot past the keeper from an acute angle. Crossblades, 3-1 up, were in total control of this game, tight at the back, energetic in midfiled and full of running upfront.
The second half was a more sedate affair with both teams running out of steam in the middle. North Wilts excerted a little more pressure in the second period but came up against a brick wall time and time again against a Crossblades defence in total control.
Jack Lowe gave 70 minutes of energy in midfiled, which finally took its toll and he slotted back in to the centre of defence with Chilton moving forward. After Will Wrights good footwork, tricking a defender with his turn of pace, a free kick was won. Chilton played the ball 45 yards crossfiled accross the goal to the sprightly Mike Booth who's attempted sidefoot goalwards narrowly missed the target.
Jimmy Squire was ever solid at the back, winning headers, tackles and passing out from defence with urgency and accuracy. His control and masteful performance was what we are used to from this enigmatic player.
Jimmy Squire found the man of the match tough to give this week. Infact he said it could have been one of 5 players. Despite Squire and Matthews being outstanding at the back and Wright and Lowe causing the opposition all sorts of problems in the middle, Jimmy gave the MoM award to Captain Tim Chilton. In addition to having a great game at centre back, he also talked through out. As Crossblades built this victory from the back, the award was always going to go to one of the back 3.
In a game where through ball after through ball was played, the oppositions linesman's integrity was called in to question with countless decisions being given against Crossblades.
Negatives: No real negatives other than the energy levels dropped second half. Oddly, we now have a selection headache for next week, with everyone playing well and players coming back next week (not to mention the formation working well this week), Jimmy has some serious choice to make.
Positives: Gilbert and Jacobi proved they will trouble any defence on their day, and are both linking up well. Lowe, Walker and Booth slotted in very well in central midfiled despite playing in a new system with new personnel. Ben Rees played extremley well in the right wing back position, always unselfish ofloading the ball really well. Will Wright is proving to be a very lethal weapon on the wing, and has learnt to be a team player and is listening to instructions. Matthews simply doesnt have a bad game, no wonder he has the highest ratings of all Crossblades players. Squire, well, charismatic as always, its great to have him back. Captain Chilton slotted in well at the back proving further that the squad we now have is a very versatile one
Well done lads, you all played very very well and deserved this victory. Working hard, working for each other, encouraging each other and making those challenges really does pay off. If we can reproduce this type of performance, we are sure to gain more victories this season and respectable results against the top teams.
Finally a mention to Jack, playing his first game (properly) in centre midfield, he gave a performance that does not reflect his young age. Well done Jack.
FANTASTIC!!!
