Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
The 4s arrested their slide in form with a comfortable 4-2 win over a disjointed Old Uffingtonian side. With the New Year in full swing, the 4s were looking for a new start in the league and they got it, winning with a scoreline that probably flatters the hosts. Playing on a big pitch that was generally flat, Meads moved the ball around a lot better than in previous games and got their just rewards early on when Ash’s cross was deflected in off George’s thigh to settle some early nerves.
Meads were in complete control of the game, with the passing a lot quicker and simpler, Meads were able to exploit the space that was being afforded to them. However, the 4s never like to do anything the easy way and were pegged back when a corner found its way to the back post where their striker swivelled and scored to bring the scores level.
The setback did not deter Meads, who were straight back on the front foot. George and Ronnie were proving a threat up front and were getting a lot of the ball. However, the next attacking threat was to come from Neil Cooper, who unleashed an unstoppable volley from the edge of the area, unfortunately the ball crashed off the underside of the bar and out again, what a goal it would have been. The post was hit again by Meads but I can’t remember who by. Eventually the lead was restored when a tame shot from the right hand side of the area by Matt was half saved by the keeper and George followed it in and bundled the ball over the line, 2-1. More chances were created with George being put through on goal but his attempt at a left footed lob when the keeper came out left a lot to be desired. Half time 2-1.
The second half started badly for Meads who allowed Old Uffs to set the pace and dominate the first 10 mins. Luckily they did not capitalise on their early pressure with their striker somehow hitting the underside of the bar from 6 yards out. This gave Meads a wakeup call and they once again set about dominating proceedings. Chances came and went, Ronnie saw a one on one saved by the keeper and some final balls were not quite there. The game was near enough sealed when Jonathan found himself loitering up front, he’s a centre back.
Jon is constantly badgering me about having a go up front, in the hole, anywhere but centre back and so the goal could not have gone to a worse person, now I’m never going to hear the end of it. For whatever reason Jon found himself on the edge of the box and as Neil played the ball high up to him no one could imagine what was to come next; controls the ball with a header, flicks it over one defender and back again over another before controlling the ball in between them, finding himself on the penalty spot with only the keeper to beat, he slots the ball calmly into the bottom corner and wheels away in jubilant celebration, what a goal it was!!
3-1 up, there was still time for us to make things interesting, a deep cross was headed somehow back over Jake from the acutest of angles and although Jon cleared the ball off the line, the referee judged the ball had crossed the line. The game was finally sealed when George was bundled over in the box by their keeper and George dispatched the penalty, although he tried his hardest to give the keeper a chance.
It rounded off what should be a much praised hat trick but George instead found himself derided for scoring the worst hattrick of all time. However, a goal is a goal and although his hatttrick will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, at least it will be remembered. He didnt even get one MOM vote, that says it all.
It was a good all round display with everyone playing their part. The back 4 and Jake were superb in their defensive displays, with the communication and organisation at the forefront of that. MOM went to Jon for his goal and his general play about the park. We now have to build on this and we go into the cup next week with some confidence flowing back into the team.
