Midway 3 vs 3 Hobgoblin FC

<p>In a well contested game between two teams who should both be contesting the top of the table, Hobgoblin FC finally appreciated the luck that has been absent since the start of the season. <p>That is not to say we didn't deserve it. A hard fought battle, good communication and longer periods of focus had the purple and whites on top for the majority of the first 45. Credit to the opposition, who played some good possession football, making it a tough game for us. From the kick off it was evident that the 'Goblins were intent on victory, going close with the first few minutes, keeping them pressed back into their own half.&nbsp; <p>Our attitude was top drawer, as showed by our quick come back when we went one nil down completely against the run of play. An opposition corner swung in and after a number of ricochets, the ball found the toe of a Midway player and was poked home. 1-0. <p>The desire to rectify our mistake was obvious, as within 60 seconds our pressure was too much for their defenders to take, and a shoddy back-pass found the net. 1-1 <p>An poor performance from todays ref was proved a few times, most obviously at one point when Dieter was tripped chasing a ball away from the goal in the area and a penalty wasn't awarded. Awful decision, and it's a decision like that that has cost us in the past. <p>The half time team talk was about maintaining our efforts and keeping our communication levels up. An empowered and focused team returned on to the pitch minutes before the other team. We knew what our jobs were. <p>12 minutes in to the second half and we were rewarded with one of our special moves. Dale Robins launched a trademark throw-in deep into their box, flicked on by Jay Mitchell, falling to Charlie Bingham who placed it beyond the 'keeper. 2-1 <p>In a reversal of the first half, Midway equalised almost immediately, which was perhaps the cause of what was to follow... 2-2 <p>In a period of about 15 minutes, we seemed to lose our shape and concentration while Midway stepped up the pressure. We had switched off, and were punished. We became too lateral in the middle of the park, leaving a bit more space between the midfield and defence, and were too slow closing down their defenders when they played it short. <p>They went ahead in the 70th minute. A free kick - that was absolutely not a free kick in a million years - was awarded, and swung goalwards, onto the head of one of their players. 3-2 <p>A change was made to introduce a pair of fresh legs into the team, with Bemi on for Dieter. <p>Against recent trends, going behind seemed to spur us into motion, as the last 10-15mins was again all 'Goblin. Strong tackling from Charlie Bingham and Paul Cooper encouraged the team, and possession was gobbled up no sooner after we had lost it. We came close with a few chances from Hobbie, Bemi and Dale, but it was another OG that came our way as communication between their centre half and their 'keeper disappeared and the ball found the net once more. 3-3 <p>More chances came our way, but their linesman - an advert for a Specsavers commercial - conspired against us. <p>&nbsp; <p>Overall a thoroughly positive performance with far more signs of encouragement. A good work-rate, a determination to win and an excellent team-ethic are factors that, if maintained through the season, will have us back up the table in no time. <p>&nbsp; <p>&nbsp; <p>Up the 'Gob!