Meads took a deserved point off unbeaten league leaders Economicals on Saturday after George's well taken opener was cancelled out in the second half by a contentious equalising goal (at least according to Joe Willis anyway!). Meads started the game very well with the ball being passed about crisply and Sam and George causing problems for their back 4. The team is slowly getting used to the switched formation of 442 with Sam coming back after his lenghty lay off and his attacking threat should certainly add some goals to the team.
With Jonathan out with a problematic knee Eric Paice made his comeback from retirement and what a comeback it was. He slotted effortlessly back into centre back and forged a formidable partnership with Joe. There was also a first appearance of the season for Rory who was keen to make sure that Eric did not hog the limelight on his comeback, he failed miserably.
The first opening resulted in the first goal. Tom, who had started the game very well on the left hand side, played the ball through to Sam, who played George through. George burst past the defenders and finished past the keeper with an emphatic left footed shot. It was no more than Meads deserved for their opening 20 minutes. With Meads taking the league, Economicals, who have won every game in their season so far, upped their game and began to make things hard for Meads. Despite dominating possession Economicals were not really threatening Tim's goal. A huge part of that was down to the centre backs Joe and Eric who were playing superbly at the back. When Tim was called in to action he made a good save when their striker was through on goal to keep Meads lead in tact. By this time Economicals were dominating play but Meads continued to show resilience and a determination to keep their lead in tact. Tom and Neil were both forced off in the first half with injuries though with disrupted Meads' flow.
Sam was working hard up front and was given the opportunity to double Meads lead when he broke free of the defence. Unfortunately he didnt manage to get his shot away and the chance went begging. One of the main changes that has been seen with the switch in formation is the ability of Meads to have an out ball with Sam's pace alwas giving Meads a chance on the counter attack. Sam was involved again when he headed the ball down to Matt who shot from the edge of the box but the keeper parried it away for a corner.
Meads maintained their lead up to half time and could be pleased with the way the half had gone. About 1000 messages were relayed at half time and it did not seem to help as Meads were immediately under the cosh as the half went underway. Conceding possession and territory meant that Meads were being forced to work very hard to stay in front. Eventually, Meads resolve was broken when their striker was played through and he finished nicely over Tim. Joe was furious at the ref for not calling offside, which added an element of contention to the equaliser.
With Economicals level, Meads showed some renewed aggression and got some more of the ball and territory. A nicely floated ball by Luke from the right to the back post found both Rory and Owen fast approaching on the ball but neither could make meaningful contact on the ball. George then put his head in where it hurts and he got a punch in the nose from the keeper for his troubles. It was then the turn of Tim to make an important contribution; a deflected cross forced him to a reaction save with only about 15 minutes to go.
One last chance for Meads to snatch victory fell to Sam with 10 minutes to go. Matt clipped the ball over the top and Sam latched on to the through ball. The keeper came rushing out and Sam was unable to poke the ball past him and the keeper cleared the lines. A couple more scary moments for Meads were negotiated and Meads held out for the draw.
A very gutsy performance from Meads after a disappointing result last week. If the same resolve can be shown in the forthcoming games against other opposition then results will certainly start coming in the league. MOM went to Eric for his comeback display at centreback. He showed no rustiness and was in commanding mood all day. A mention must also go to Joe who got 5 votes, which would normally be enough to get the MOM award.
