Hobgoblin FC 4 vs 4 South Coast City

<p>The biggest crowd of the season turned out to watch what was the most anticipated game of recent years. The history between the two clubs would be best discussed on another day, as this was all about pride. A weakened squad thanks to some poor timed suspensions, but a team full of strength took to the pitch in a changed 4-4-2 formation. <p>The 'Gob took an early lead much to delight the home fans in a move that has been worked on many occassions. The quality of delivery from our corners has been one of the many positives so far this season, and after 5 minutes a corner was flicked on from Bear to find the feet of Sam Corkill. 1-0&nbsp; <p>After an early spell of possession, the sense of injustice came back to haunt the 'Gob, with a contentious penalty given to the opposition after what was deemed a tug on a forwards shirt in the area while defending a long free-kick. The penalty was converted. 1-1 <p>With the memory of past decisions costing games, the confidence and - more importantly - focus, dissappeared. Two goals were conceeded in 10 minutes after space was left all over the park, players not closing down their targets, and players being booked for dissent. A couple of long diagonal balls to their quick winger allowed them to get in behind, and a few moments of switching off allowed them to score. A forced substitution after an injury to Scott, and we were starting to lose our rhythm. 1-3 <p>Just before the stroke of half-time, our trump card was pulled out the pack once more. Every time we had a corner there was a threat of a goal. And again, it worked, as a ball was lofted into the area, knocked on by Jay, and steered home by Dale. A glimmer of hope in an otherwise poor first half. <p>The half-time team talk was the kick up the backside the team needed, reminding ourselves of our duties and our strengths. We were still very much in this game, and we always step it up for the second 45. The team had a renewed sense of confidence as they made their way onto the pitch. <p>That confidence came back in a big way. The territory was eaten up by the 'Goblins, the tackles were being won, the communication was better. We were attacking from the wide areas and through the middle. Rob Brown was blitzing the left back, Bear and Dale were reading each other well and Corks was getting himself into excellent positions. <p>Some might say that the next type of goal was long overdue from the league's top scorer considering his track record of belters. The ball was carried forward and played over the shoulder of the onwards running Bear, who spotted Dale Robins making a bee-line towards the goal. Picking him out with a bouncing pass off the outside of his right boot, it sat up perfectly 25 yds out for Dale to get his laces through it. A dipping volley took everyone by surprise and found the back of the net with aplomb. Peach of a goal and a contender for goal of the season. 70mins. 3-3 <p>We were in the ascendancy. Our second wind filling the sails of the 'Goblins. Chance after chance came our way but the millimeters were not in our favour. And then the bad luck struck. Their midfielder, stationed on the left for the second half, cut inside our full back and passed the ball into the corner netting. We had to do it again. 3-4 <p>But that goal failed to knock us off balance. More chances came our way, but we were left scratching our heads wondering how they weren't converted, as a hairs breadth stood between us and an equaliser. And then 2 mins later, a corner came our way. Rob dispatched a textbook delivery, floated on to the head of the man of the match Jay Mitchell to put it beyond their 'keeper. 4-4 <p>A chance to secure 3 points came towards the end of the game, but the teams shared the spoils, finishing 4-4, after an electric second half. <p>&nbsp; <p>A shame about some of the dissent costing us a few yellows, but great to see the handshakes after the game with the other players. It was absolutely the right thing to do.&nbsp; <p>&nbsp; <p>We can take pride in the performance we gave in the second half. I have no doubt at all that we can push on after this and aim for that second spot. It's in our hands again. <p>&nbsp; <p>UP THE GOB!