Draw would have been fairer.
In a good competitive game of football, we played much better than the previous day, and really we were unfortunate to go down to a narrow defeat. Lots of good passing football, and with just a little more composure at times we could have got the win. Credit to Cramlington Town, who were a good hard side, who looked to pass the ball.
We started a little slowly and were sitting too deep. wing backs need to push on right from the start. They had a shot go wide after one minute, but that proved to be the pattern for a end to end game, as a minute later Sam went on one of his trademark long runs, and forced a save from the keeper. A couple of minutes later Sam again had a really good long run but just got crowded out in the area. Game flowed from end to end, but only long range efforts were allowed by two good defences.
Second quarter and we went close from a corner but the keeper just managed to gather. Elliott long range free kick just went past the post, and Sam had another great run and his shot was well saved. Another long range effort from Elliott was well saved. At the other end good passing football was causing us problems, with Aaron having to make a couple of smart saves. On 20 they took the lead was a scramble in the area, but unforunately our clearance went straight to their danger man just on edge of the box, who put a lovely low composed shot into the corner.
Third quarter we continued to have chances, with Elliott having a long run and shot just wide, and another Elliott shot was well saved by the impressive keepr. It was end to end stuff with Aaron make some good gathers near the line. Joeeph had a couple of long range efforts stopped by the defenders.
Fourth quarter and we were now the better side with our wing backs getting much better forward, Elliott testing the keeper from the kick off, and another effort from just outside the box was excellently saved by the keepers legs. Best chance of the game came with 5 minutes to go, Elliott made a great long run, and was one on one with the keeper, just put his shot wide of the post. Dylan went close, so did Sam, and Elliott again forced a save from the keepr. At the other end Harry was keeping out the danger backed up well by Aaron. Time just ran out on us in the end.
It was an encouraging first league game, whcih showed we will be competitive, and on another day that performance will bring about 3 points. So plenty of positives, composure in and around both areas was the fine line between winning and losing today. Heads up and lets continue to work hard and pass well.
For man of the match, Cramlington Coach gave it to Elliott just ahead of Dylan & Aaron. I agree with the decision with Elliott being my man of the match for his non stop workrate, good efforts on goal, fantastic display. Dylan good strong game, and Aarons handling was very safe and sound. Sam, Josh, James & Jsoeph all had good games, while Dane & Bradley showed plenty of effort when coming on as subs.
Training Tuesday 6pm St Benet Biscop.
