Following last weeks disappointing home performance the boys needed a lift and what better way than to go from playing bottom of the league to playing away against top of the league Fulbourn Falcons (FF). The half term fixture presented the usual selection problems added to that the last minute withdrawal due to sickness and we down to just 9 boys. So with the team picking itself we started brightly playing up the slope, but it wasn't long before our defence was under pressure from many a through ball, and although we were putting them under pressure too it was FF who looked the more likely to open the scoring, and with just over 10 minutes gone a through ball by FF lead to the first goal. (1-0). Thankfully we stayed strong and began to exploit their right hand side (it helps having natural left footers in Luca and Jake), unfortunately though we were unable to get on the end of their crosses but it was giving FF cause for concern. As the half went on, playing up the slope started to take it out of the boys and with no subs available they were looking forward to a well earned halftime breather, unfortunately though with less than five minutes to go before half-time we switched off and conceded two quick goals which was a shame because the boys had worked extremely hard and didn't deserve to be 3-0 down at HT.
With no reason to panic the boys started the second half rejuvenated and now playing with the slope it was our turn to apply the pressure. Although FF had a few attacks, Chris was never really in danger of conceding and our back 4 of Spencer , Rohan, Ben and Xav were looking solid. With FF camped in their own half we needed to make possession count. Although FF did their best to slow the game down we knew they were starting to feel the pressure. On more than one occasion their GK denied us a deserved goal or two, as it was we were finally rewarded when Jake scored straight from a corner kick (3-1). And although we couldn't add to the school line the boys put in a huge performance and George was unlucky not to add to his recent goal tally in previous weeks, and it was great to have Alfie back playing again having missed the entire season due to injury.
We always emphasise to the boys that win, lose or draw if you've come off the pitch smiling having had fun - then job done. And today was one of those days, yes we lost but we had won the second half 1-0, there's always something to take from a result and their smile said it all.
Well done boys, and well played to Fulbourn Falcons. Capt: Alfie
MOTM: George