Today we travelled to Walmley Colron for our second successive away day, hoping to bounce back from the disappointment of last week.
With Harrison officially a Red again, this meant Harry could resume hit duties outfield and also means our squad is now set for the season.
Early exchanges showed this would be a closely-fought contest, with two very stable keepers ready to test the finishing capabilities of both teams. Harrison was called upon when the Walmley striker broke away and as I would always encourage, cleared the ball forcefully which left the striker in a heap, but the referee decided to award a penalty. The first of many poor decisions in this game. Our number 1 gave us a reminder as to why we welcomed him back with open arms, when he stood firm and parried the penalty over the bar! This certainly got the Reds going and we started to put some pressure on their back line, with Finley and Rushy getting in behind several times but crosses just too high to cause any problems. Then came the breakthrough, with Harry nudging the ball wide for Fin who crossed for Zach Ferrera, some good feet and got the shot off which was blocked, only for our talisman Rushy to recover the ball and drive a shot through the keepers legs, 0-1.
Walmley were fired up for this game and they almost equalised when a decent strike hit the outside of the far post.
It was Hampton who would score next though, with Omar racing down the right hand side before cutting in and hitting a firm strike that the keeper could only parry and Harry was on hand to smash home his first of the season, 0-2.
Half time, 0-2.
With Harrison saving a pen as well as a few other chances, Walmley were not out of this one and Hampton had to put a shift in.
A scrappy affair in the second half, with the ref constantly stopping play rather than allowing advantage, and the Walmley keeper playing very high up the pitch to thwart our long-ball game, you could sense frustration all over the pitch. Walmley then had a lifeline, as was too often on the day, the first and second challenges weren't enough to get the ball cleared and the Walmley player was adjudged to have been tripped in the area, penalty number 2. Unfortunately this time the Walmley player had more composure and slotted it to the left of Harrison, 1-2. Another couple of chances coming for Hampton, with the best one falling to Zach Ferrera centre of goal, but his strike was parried by the keeper and cleared. Walmley could smell blood and they were scrapping for everything, with a helping hand from the ref when he gave several soft free kicks, they were pumping the ball into the box at every opportunity, and the last chance they had nearly snatched an equaliser. With the ball only cleared as far as the edge of the box, the Walmley midfielder caught it sweet on the volley and it was heading for the far top corner, only for our man Harrison to dive across and push it wide, magnificent!
Full time, 1-2.
Honestly, I thought we made hard work of that second half. Some more composure in front of goal and mixing up when to kick long and when to play short, and we can turn some negatives into positives. Having said that, 6 points in our first 4 games in division 4 is a very pleasing return and certainly something to build on. Some dogged performances all over the pitch, with Fin and Rushy digging in on the wings and Zach Ferrera almost getting on the scoresheet as well as a very welcome return outfield for Harry. Harrison was only upstaged by one player, who was unplayable on the day and seemed to have a hand in everything we did, MOTM Omar, well done!
Another away day next week when we visit Chelmsley who have also started the season well.
UTR
??
