Wind was blowing across the pitch for our first real derby. Playing Raunds with two school mates of most of our team, the lads were fired up. Due to illness we could not benefit from our experienced keepers Alex and Chris (get well soon!) which gave the coaches some adjustments to make.
The game started late, which seems to be the new theme for our small sided games. This time it was caused by another game ‘borrowing’ our pitch!
Once we got on our way Hayden from Raunds caused all sorts of trouble for our defense. Most were stopped by Daniel and a fierce less Harry. The first time Hayden was able to cross Bram was caught out and we were 1-0 down. As we seen in the past we have the ability to rebound and under the lead of birth day boy, captain Jack R and Kyle we started to get hold of Raunds. A twisted ankle of Kyle forced us into some changes and quickly that lead to our 1-1 as Jack R passed to Braeden on the wing, to be crossed back into the box for a good finish by Jack R. Perfect combination football! Ryan who had come on wanted a piece of the action and after a brilliant solo we went leading into the break 1-2.
This settled our game, and we started the second half with a lot of conviction. The real turn came when Braeden scored with a curving corner that passed all the Raunds defenders. This broke their spirit. In quick succession both by individual skill and good passing Daniel and Jack P scored. Jack R was fighting to get his goal but it took him quite few chances before the settled the score on 1-6.
Man of the match was Harry today. His perfectly timed tackles in the first half prevented Raunds to up their score line. On the few breaks they had in the second half he ensured Kyle was able to keep a clean sheet.
