Dynamo Santos FC ed 3 vs 3 Hampstead Hawks

<p>We finished the year with arguably our best result, winning a point from a team at the top. I know it feels better to put 5 in the back of the net but the point we just took means more than a cup win. Hampstead Hawks are only 1 point off the Fanatics in first, below second on goal difference alone, have won 6 drawn 1 and lost 2. When they looked at the fixtures and saw a match against 12 place they would have thought they had an easy win. <p>&nbsp; <p>Im only going to focus on the positives from the game, not saying there were any big negatives just avoiding writing all night with a lot to say.&nbsp; <p>&nbsp; <p>We went down an early goal but hit back strong, a positive passing move that involved most of the team got us our first. It started with a collection in the back row and an easy lay off to Brownie on the left, a little one two had Amar and mike involved next, winning field position and allowing our wingers and strikers to get forward. This left acres of space on the right and Shannon moved in to receive a great switching pass from Mike. Zach made the run taking a defender and giving me room for the cross, received perfectly by Remy on the back post as the ball dropped for him to tap in.&nbsp; <p>&nbsp; <p>Nick made a great penalty save late in the first, keeping us alive and positive for the second. &nbsp;After the half we should have put the nail in the coffin, playing with the wind we defiantly had an advantage. Unfortunately it wasn't to be, they showed whey they were at the top and opened with two goals. <p>&nbsp; <p>It took two hard challenges to wake us up. First Brownie going in for a crunching 50/50 on the edge of their box. Then a ridiculous elbow in the side of my head that sounded like a cracking water mellon, or so Im told as all I heard was a loud ringing as I hit the dirt. <p>&nbsp; <p>This set the team off and Mike immediately responded with a long range free kick, driven with purpose into the area. All their defence could manage was a lunging block that saw the ball into the back of the net before one of our guys could hit it. At this point we were fired up, committing forward and looking for the next.It didn't take long and we were back on the edge of the box. Great passing and energy got us there and Remi wins us another free kick. Step up Mike and another one sails straight in past the keeper. <p>&nbsp; <p>The final few minutes were tense, an open game both teams looking for the win but in the end the draw was a fair result. <p>&nbsp; <p>Man of the Match was close, Mike with 2 votes, Amar and Shannon 3 votes. Mike for his distribution and 2 goals, Shannon for putting his body on the line and fighting all game and Amar for destroying their right back all game and linking with Brownie to create a lot of our best plays. &nbsp;Amar took it in the end uncontested as after the knock in the head I wasn't up for doing a pint. <p>&nbsp; <p>Wally on the other hand was pathetic, not for the votes, that were almost unanimous. George who did nearly nothing wrong, won for missing a chance from a deflection, running the ball the wrong side of the post. Unfortunately he showed his lack of testosterone when his pint came out. A curdled baileys shot in a pint was a beautiful site. George gave up after 60 seconds after taking a sip or two gagging and carrying on like a baby. As I dont like to see a drink go to waste I ignore my head injury, step in and finish the pint in what would have been a competitive time. All I can say is George = Super Gay &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <p>&nbsp; <p>A final thought before Christmas, <p>&nbsp; <p>In the League we have only played 7 games. Of those we have played 3 of the top 4, 6th twice (Rogers Rovers), 9th and 11th. <p>&nbsp; <p>We have taken a point from 4 of these teams and still were down in last. Its not a great position but the positive is that we have 2-3 games in hand against the others. Only 2nd and 4th have beaten us by more than a goal, the only other loss was a game that we all agreed we could, and should, have won (early season). <p>&nbsp; <p>While we didn't have an answer for the very top team, we played them in the cup and it exposed our biggest issue, no fight in the air. While were still far from perfect we have since strengthened our squad and shown some backbone. With additional options across the back 4 and players showing more fight. Im not exaggerating when I say players a proving they want it more since that loss. In the last two weeks Ive joked with various players on the way back to the changing room, players are surprising themselves by winning the ball when in the past they wouldn't have challenged. <p>&nbsp; <p>The big positive is that the next 3 games should be wins for us. Were playing teams at the bottom of the table, teams that are being constantly thrashed by opponents we draw against. Its our chance to hit mid table and show what we can do. To put this in perspective we've drawn twice with Rogers Rovers, the most recent being the 1-1 ref fiasco. Rogers rovers have put 5 or 6 goals on the guys were against in January. <p>&nbsp; <p>We need to make sure we have a strong team for the 4th, strikers should be begging for a start and defence looking for those clean sheets for fantasy points. I'm away unfortunately and will be checking to see who else has plans so we know we have a team. <p>&nbsp; <p>Anyway Lads I think that's enough from me, enjoy Christmas and see you in the new year. xxx&nbsp; <p>&nbsp;