hart sharks 1 vs 1 NW Phantoms

<p>Wow that was exciting.<p>Having dominated the first half yet ended up 1-0 down, it took real character from the boys to get a result.<p>

The pitch was hard from the overnight frost and very bobbly so message before game was to avoid the ball bouncing in front and get ball out to the channels.<p>First half tactics were fairly straight forward against a high defensive line and we created several good chances to score in the first 20 mins.<p>Sharks were creaking under the high intensity, with the Hart coaches a bit shell shocked.<p>Against run of play Sharks took the lead a rather soft and unexpected goal.<p>Important phase for phantoms to stay in the game as sharks now piled on pressure and suddenly their tails were up.<p>Half time 0-1.<p> The ice had melted and we were now left with a very boggy pitch to play on.<p>These were probably the worst conditions to play a physical team like Hart who battle and tackle everything.<p>

No real change in tactics, talk to the boys at half time was all about mental attitude to get something out of the game.<p>Second half was very exciting, scrappy as both teams were fully committed.<p>Sharks throwing so many players forward.<p>After a couple of close calls we finally got the deserved equaliser to make it 1-1.<p>Sharks had a couple of dangerous corners and we similarly came really close to scoring at the end.<p>Final score was 1-1.<p>Whilst the second half was hectic I should stress that there was actually some very good football being played at real pace on a pitch that was hard to walk on...<p>