Furngate vets 5 vs 7 Furngate 1sts

Match Report

Furngate First Team 7–5 Furngate Vets

Going into this game, we had been told by the First Team manager that we would be facing a newly formed Furngate Reserves side. However, when we arrived, it quickly became obvious that wasn't the case. The First Team manager had made it clear earlier in the week that he was concerned after seeing our team sheet, and although they tried to disguise things by wearing a different kit, it wasn't much of a disguise when you know all of their players.

We're not scared of playing anyone, but it's disappointing when two teams representing the same badge aren't completely honest with each other.

We started slowly and found ourselves 2-0 down early on. We soon settled into the game though, and Jeorgi produced a superb through ball for Aaron, who still had plenty to do before finishing brilliantly from distance to make it 2-1.

Then came a frustrating spell. A mixture of poor refereeing decisions and our own mistakes saw the First Team somehow extend their lead to 4-1.

Just before half-time, Pistol threaded a perfect pass through for Aaron, who calmly finished to make it 4-2 and give us real belief heading into the break.

Despite the scoreline, there was some excellent football played in the first half and some outstanding defending from the lads. Unfortunately, a few costly mistakes and some questionable refereeing decisions made the difference.

After a strong team talk from Pistol and Lancs, the Vets came flying out for the second half. Aaron beat his man down the wing before delivering a superb cross for Pistol to head home, making it 4-3.

Just as we got ourselves back into the game, we lost momentum and the effects of fitness and missing players began to show. The First Team made it 5-3.

We weren't finished though. A brilliant pass from Dicky put us straight back on the attack and we pulled it back to 5-4. At that stage we looked the better side, just as we had for large spells of the afternoon, but somehow they found another goal to make it 6-4.

Back came the Vets once again. Bishop produced a wonderful ball into the box and new signing Tom finished brilliantly to make it 6-5 with around ten minutes remaining.

We pushed hard for an equaliser, but the First Team added a seventh late on to seal a 7-5 victory.

Player Mentions

Dan Storey – It had been a long time since Dan pulled the gloves back on, but our usual right-back stepped up and took one for the team in goal. There were a couple of mistakes, which is only natural when you're playing out of position, but they were far outweighed by several outstanding saves that kept us in the game. It takes character to put yourself on the line for the team and Dan did exactly that. Top effort, mate.

Ryan "Muzza" Murray – Excellent in his first game since the cup final, showing exactly what we've missed.

Rob south being as solid as ever

Dicky – Covered every blade of grass, worked tirelessly and kept us playing football throughout.

Matt Higgins – A terrific performance and never stopped working for the team.

Danny Bishop – As solid as ever and produced a brilliant assist for Tom's goal.

Sean Clarabut – Gave absolutely everything for the badge and never stopped battling.

Aaron Agyeman – Outstanding. Two goals, one assist and some silky footwork all afternoon. A constant threat.

Jeorgi Haynes – Played through injury, grabbed an assist and scored what could well be a Goal of the Season contender.

Peter "Pistol" Harrington – Not his best game by his own standards, but still came away with a goal and an assist while leading the team.

Tom – A brilliant debut, capped with a well-taken goal.

Ben Allison – Another impressive debut, putting in a fantastic all-round performance.

Matt Clarabut – Absolutely immense at the heart of the defence. Calm, composed and rock solid throughout. A commanding display.

There are so many positives to take from this performance. The scoreline may not have gone our way, but the attitude, quality and determination shown by the lads was first class. We matched a very strong First Team for long periods and created plenty of chances ourselves. If we keep producing performances like this, the results will come.

Men of the Match

?? Matt Clarabut

?? Ben Allison

Top effort from every single player. Up the Gate! ??