Starlands played Heath Hayes this weekend on the back of a great result last week and were looking to push onwards.
Unfortunately man of the match JED was missing, but the team welcomed back Kieran from America.
The boys lost 5-1 last time out, and so an improved effort was required.
The signs looked ominious when Starlands started the match kicking up hill. The slope looked as though it would give the home team a BIG advantage.
Oscar and Marcus looked to continue their impressive defensive partnership, and Zak stepped into midfield.
Lewis made the trip keen to give Josh a run for his money in the fight for Top Goal Scorer.
Starlands had plenty of early possession but didn't really take advantage of the wide pitch - but did apply alot of pressure.
Any balls kicked through to the Starlands half were either intercepted or shepherded out of play.
Ben came out and collected a few balls, and kicked well off the ground setting up some counter attacks.
Lewis, Zak and Josh had opportunities to pull the trigger but always wanted that extra touch or pass.
The first goal came from a kick by Ben through to Zak in the centre of the park who released Lewis who was bearing down on goal. He was being jostled by the covering defender - and when the goalkeeper came out to clear the ball, he struck it with such venom it hit the defender is the family jewels and rebounded into the back of the net! 1-0 a bit of luck at last for Starlands....It's been a long wait for some.
The first half finished 1-0 for Starlands, a great result considering they'd been kicking up hill. Surely the boys could now step up the pressure and get a win?
Alas, Starlands were clearly running out of steam...their early endeaviour was catching up on them - and Heath Hayes were starting to spread the bal around and play some one touch passing movements.
At times it was Marcus and Oscar in rear guard action against 4 players....eventually something had to give.
Heath Hayes scored a great goal from a corner - Ben came out to punch but missed and a direct header went in the top corner! 1-1
The tide was turning in the favour of the home team.
Heath Hayes were clear again clear through, and Ben having been rounded by the striker decided to rugby tackle the player hauling him to the ground. No try ! .....but, a penalty was given.
Fortunately, the Heath Hayes giant dragged it wide!....phew....a lucky escape. But, it was not long before the striker went straight through the middle and smashed the ball past Ben to make it 2-1 and only minutes left.
The home fans sensed a win, and started to get a bit more vocal.However, our boys never gave up. Kieran,Zak and Lewis were still trying to link up and use the slope.
A flashing volley by Josh went straight into the keepers hands....the clock was running down. The fans were starting to think we'd missed our chance.
Especially when a Heath Hayes powerful shot was goal bound, only to be tipped over the bar by Ben....it gave us hope.
With seconds left, Starlands won a corner. It was whipped in by Oscar and although the Heath Hayes keeper pushed it up into the air, a Heath Hayes defender instinctively tapped it up in the air again!...I don't think anyone could believe what they saw???....however, the shout went up...PENALTY !!!!!! and it was duly given....
So, a final chance to get something from the game. There was only one player to step forward - ...Marcus without hesitation placed the ball on the spot which was 1/4 mile away,ran and truck it into the bottom corner....Goooooooooooooooooooooaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!! 2-2 and the Ref blew for the end of the game.
A well deserved draw, but really Starlands should have taken advantage of the early lead...but a point is a point and 2 games undefeated is excellent.
OSCAR was awarded The Man of The Match for a self assured display. Well done.
* I regret that NO PHOTO was taken of The Team or MOM....*
