TMG 5 vs 4 Hobgoblin FC

<p>An all too familiar feeling at 4pm this Saturday, as for the 3rd game in a row the 'Goblins lost by one goal, after having the majority of the chances and the least amount of good fortune. <p>Even though there was definitely an air of positivity about the team at kick off, what started as confidence slowly slipped into the same old bad habits. TMG were the first to strike as their constant route one football eventually led to a chance for their striker. Left one-on-one, he ran free past the back line for a simple finish after 10 mins. 1-0 <p>Lesser teams would have crumbled, but credit to the 11 for standing up for themselves rather than simply giving up. <p>After a foul down the right, the resulting free kick was weighted perfectly to fall just out of their 'keeper's reach and onto the onrushing head of Jay for his second goal of the campaign. The two centre halves combining. 1-1 <p>With some excellent pressure up the pitch, TMG were made to play it across their back 4, but the constant harassment by Dale led to a punt that was closed down and ricocheted into Dale's path towards the corner flag, and crossed for Scott who was upended in the area. Penalty. Up stepped the captain, who mixed power and precision in equal measures. Hobgoblin lead 1-2 <p>With the heat starting to rise, the concentration was draining almost as fast as the fluids, and another moment of confusion led to a throw in close to our goalline. It was launched in, and with Kyle's path being blocked (perhaps unfairly) the ball dropped in the area. The first toe to get to it was a blue and red one. 35mins. 2-2 <p>The chances came to Hobgoblin in regular intervals, but the 'keeper - who was as shakey as a shitting dog - wasn't tested. On 40mins an early substitution as Cooper's foot decided it had had enough, and Bingham was brought providing some good mobility.&nbsp;Keeping with the theme of the last few games, our wasted chances came at a cost, as on the stroke of half time yet another long ball was allowed to bounce through the midfield, splitting the defence, for the onrushing striker to pea-roll his chance into the corner of the net. 3-2 <p>After stoking some fires under some arses, the second half got under way and the football we know we can play actually decided to make an appearance. Some quick feet from Jack Joyce enabled him to get to the byline on a number of occassions squaring the ball well, only for the shots to be deflected and roll out of play. Some of the through balls from the midfield to get beyond their defensive line couldn't have been more perfect.&nbsp; <p>The next goal of the high scoring game brought us level, as Georgie Ball reacted fastest to a lose ball from a free kick on the edge of their area, moved past the static defence and poked it past the 'keeper. One goal and an assist for the inform centre half. 3-3 <p>It was to be Georgie's last contribution as a dodgy fall ended his game. Fraser Ball replacing him. <p>Two more goals came within 15 mins for the home side. The referee awarded first a penalty as Kyle was helpless to avoid their player in the box. Kyle was extremely unfortunately not to save the strong penalty, as guessing the right way was almost rewarded. 70 mins. 4-3 <p>Their fifth goal came from - yet again! - another set piece, as a corner led to a goalmouth scramble, to another tap in at the near post. 80mins 5-3. <p>The last 10mins was all Hobgoblin, and 2 mins from kick off Dale Robins rounded 3 defenders and blasted it into the bottom corner which was to be the ninth and last goal of the game. <p>&nbsp; <p>In summary, poor decision making and positional discipline when defending as a team made our job twice as hard as it should have been. We come away from that game knowing that we should have easily won against that team. We need to iron out the creases, and as soon as we tweak a few things the wins will come, but not without hard work. <p>There are still 20 games left this season and plenty of points to be won. Let's start again on Saturday... <p>&nbsp; <p>Up the 'Gob!