Today STARLANDS travelled to a lovely picture postcard village.
The pitch was at the cricket club - but, what ensued at times was more like a game of Rugby!
STARLANDS broke early in the game and were unlucky not to score dominating posession for the first five minutes.Today looked like it was going to be a good day for Starlands.
However, with Elford Jets first break led to a run down the left wing and an unstoppable powerful drive on the angle into the top right hand corner. 1-0 down against the run of play.
But, everyone had to applaud that goal !!...It left Ben a little shell shocked. With no time to recover Elford followed up with another attack.
The referee signalled for a goal kick - but after some indecision between the kids he then signalled for a corner???
WHilst they were setting up, Ben was being puched right into his own net by The larger Elford player.The referee was oblivious to what was happening.
The corner came over and went straight in at the back post. 2-0
STARLANDS could not believe what was happening.
Elford broke again, and Ben bravely came off his line to cause the onrushing attacker to blast high and wide.The resulting collision led Ben to leave the field with a back injury.
Kieran stepped up to the plate...initially playing in his rain coat!!
Josh then pulled one back - an easy goal for a player of his standing.
Kieran was powerless to stop the next goal. Again, a corner came across like a bullet - and hit Lewis on the head. The ball shot straight into the top corner of his own net! 3-0 an amazing header just at the wrong end. Hard lines.
The half ended 3-0, with Starlands having alot of the play, but seeming to concentrate on playing the man not the ball at times.
Jed was like a terrier in midfield ably supported by Oscar.
Zak & Marcus look a rock steady pairing at the back.
The second half, Kieran took off the raincoat and put on the goalkeeper top. Not only was he now playing like a goalkeeper he looked like one too!
He was in the right place at the right time more often than not - and when he wasn't he rode his luck.He pulled off a string of saves.
When Elford looked certain to score, Kieran remembered his outfield play - and kicked the player up in the air just as he was about to pull the trigger!
Yes he gave a penalty away - but, he saved a certain goal and then made ammends by putting the other goalkeeper off. He missed the penalty!
After the game, he said "Well, he hurt Ben so I got him back!" , great team spirit and loyalty if a little misguided ;) oh well. We forgive you.
Elford scored one more. Again, a great point blank save but Elford reacted quickest to the rebound and scored. 4-1.
On a serious note, the team play of Starlands is coming. The boys look to be getting on and having fun. Yes more goals or a win would be good - but, it will come!....We've just got to remember to listen to Rick & Rob and keep our discipline. PLAY THE BALL FIRST!!! NOT THE MAN!!!
MAN OF THE MATCH - HAD to be Kieran.Rick duly awarded it, otherwise a Parental mutiny would have been on the cards!
A close runner up was Jed. But, remember to put your pants on next week!!!! ;)
