Our first league of the season saw top of the table Coplestonians visit us a Gainsbourgh. Preparations in the week confirmed a squad of 15 but come kick off we only had 11. The 11 men included me so I got my first 90 minutes in years and thought I could do less harm in goal. A through ball in the first five minutes gave the forward a chance to put it just to my side to put the visitors 1 up.
A little later saw the cops beat the off trap and with 2 on 1 saw a simple tap in to make it and two nil. We were cursed again with injuries with first Sean pulling up and then Dave who has torn his Achilles and calf and could see him out until next year.
At 3 nil the more experienced Clive went in goal but with me on field we might as well of had 8 men. Although we did manage to find the net through new signing Matty (Matthew) Upson scoring in his first competitive game for 4 years.
Although we only had 9 men it looked like the cops had 20 as we were always under attack from a very good footballing side. Half time could not come soon enough and at 7 1 down things needed to change.
I went back in goal… a formation change of 4 3 1 saw Clive switch to centre half and partner Maff, with Frank at right back and DJ sticking to left back. Gav was left upfront on his own and the three men in midfield, Cris M, Matty and Captain Cris battled for their lives.
The second half saw every man battle, run and tackle for their lives and give 100% effort from ever one. The second half only saw the cops score 3 goals and two of these were gifted to a very good Bevon for his second of the game. Even when we did get the lucky bounce or run off the ball seemed to roll straight to a cop player.
Managers Notes…… All out field players battled and with no subs there was no chance of a rest. This is only our 3rd game so I am still getting to know you and you correct positions. My personal thanks to the 9 guys who gave everything in the second half ,Frank, Maff, Clive, DJ, Cris G, Matty, Cris M and Gav. Also for the injured Scott Wheatly who still come up and ran the line. I wish Sean and Dave a speedy recovery. The web site records a 10 – 1 victory but they will never know the effort and determination you guys put in. This MOTM was voted by the Cops and they gave it to Gavin Evans……We did not pick one as you were deserved it for your second half efforts. Another positive was the way we conducted ourselves and the manner we did it, no arguing a real team effort. So we pick ourselves up, chins up and we look to battle again on 13th October away to Black Boy in the shield. Two additional signings should be completed this strengthening the squad.
