Normal service was resumed this morning in a closely contested game against our friends Woodcote Wanderers. Woodcote are no longer team to be taken lightly as their 3-1 victory over Hilliers Athletic, last week demonstrates, and today they put up stiff resistance to Grange Rovers.
In the first half Jack D, between the sticks only had a couple of saves to make and the newly nicknamed fearsome foursome of Sean, Tyrell Jack B and new signing Noah lived up to that name, terrorising the Woodcote forward line. Not much got through and in front of them Riley and Adam found their feet as a central midfield partnership. With the side still adapting to the 11-a-side game with Tommy starting on the right and Dorell on the left side, they still need to work on the interplay between the fullbacks and the wide midfield players but both works tirelessly up-and-down the wings.
Upfront Josh and livewire Alfie tried to find a way through a solid light blue defence.
After a couple of miscues and some stout defending by the light blues Alfie netted his first, half way through the first half, bundling through a crowded box to slot home.
The blues responded well and Mus saw his first action of the game as Sean came off, winded, having caught the ball full in the chest.
In the second half Adam went in goal and while he had little to do, when he was called upon he did very well. Jack F entered the fray first one wing than the other, and finally as a makeshift right back he seems to have found his stride again and ran hard all half. Luke came on up top alongside Alfie and was unlucky to get one of his own after a shot was parried and fell to him in the 6 yard box.
While blues weren't getting many chances of their own they were certainly making it very difficult for Rovers. They harried and close them down but with Jack D and Riley back together in centre of midfield the tide started to turn, Rovers were winning balls there and easily behind them as Noah and Jack B formed a formidable centre back partnership. After a couple of long-range efforts it was late in the game when Alfie made it to after a surging run from Riley was rebuffed Alfie received a long punt up field, single-handedly dismantled the light blue defence and struck for a second which Woodcote probably didn't deserve, for all their industry.
The third was a drive from just inside the box from a narrow angle, and Rovers were back after the disappointment of last week.
Despite the Hat-trick the man of the match was given to new boy Noah to a solid defensive performance. The team had it's steel back today and that is due in no small part to the physical presence of the debutant.
Woodcote and Grange often train together and many friendships have been forged between the two sides. The match was played in a great spirit and we wish them well for the rest of the season.
It remains to me to thank Ian Cross for stepping in as Ref and doing a splendid job. So good we may call on him again!
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