Going into a match against Easingwold Town on the back of a 4 - 0 drubbing by Red House is not ideal. We knew we'd be playing against well drilled, keen footballers. I wasn't anticipating a victory, to be honest but, like most things, it didn't turn out to be quite as awful as it might.
Many of the boys put in their best display of the season. Tom Pycock, filling in for our temporarily missing captain, made a most pleasing contribution. Saki had a storming game too, holding the enemy at bay with some crunching challenges and extremely fierce expressions, really working up a sweat. Some of his clearances were comedy classics - hoofing the ball on more than a couple of occasions with a startling ferocity for corners that I feared for the car park wall, when a simple side foot for a throw in would have sufficed, such was his determination to avoid using his apparently useless left foot.
We started well, matching Easingwold tackle for tackle, pass for pass and my hopes began to rise as the match remained goalless for more than half of the first half. They eventually broke the deadlock, finding an easy route through our flat-footed defence and scored a second time shortly after. Now I began to dread a deluge. Thankfully we pulled ourselves together, having weathered a spell of being well and truly under the cosh, when Cameron displayed his silky skills after some good passes and moves, beat his man and fired in a smashing shot that left the keeper little chance. Half time; and the opposition were a little rattled by our response. ‘You're in a game, now, lads!' yelled their coach.
In the meantime, our captain, Joe, had made his belated arrival and was to replace Joseph Elliott who had responded really well after not such a great game at Red House, putting himself about to good effect, making some telling interceptions and tackles. I was hoping Joe's attacking threat might cause Easingwold problems in the second half. Unfortunately, they upped their game and came at us strongly. We struggled to cope, not passing the ball well but holding on through sheer grit and bravery. Eventually, we conceded a third goal and we were now having to chase hard just to stand still. They kept on coming and we couldn't handle their quick movement. The defence was leaking and the ship was sinking. Our captain stayed on board, however, and made valiant efforts to save the day, but in vain.
We lost 5 - 1, despite Jack's extraordinary attempts to disconcert our opponents by bombarding them with his boots... twice. The boys had actually played as well as at any time this season for much of the game and must be praised for the guts and determination they showed in order to compete.
Thanks to Mr Glen for his continued presence, maintaining law and order on the pitch while I uncomfortably paced the touchline trying desperately to think of ways to positively influence our play! Well done to Easingwold Town's boys who played very well then politely expressed their appreciation and delight for their eagerly devoured sausages and chips.
Many of the boys put in their best display of the season. Tom Pycock, filling in for our temporarily missing captain, made a most pleasing contribution. Saki had a storming game too, holding the enemy at bay with some crunching challenges and extremely fierce expressions, really working up a sweat. Some of his clearances were comedy classics - hoofing the ball on more than a couple of occasions with a startling ferocity for corners that I feared for the car park wall, when a simple side foot for a throw in would have sufficed, such was his determination to avoid using his apparently useless left foot.
We started well, matching Easingwold tackle for tackle, pass for pass and my hopes began to rise as the match remained goalless for more than half of the first half. They eventually broke the deadlock, finding an easy route through our flat-footed defence and scored a second time shortly after. Now I began to dread a deluge. Thankfully we pulled ourselves together, having weathered a spell of being well and truly under the cosh, when Cameron displayed his silky skills after some good passes and moves, beat his man and fired in a smashing shot that left the keeper little chance. Half time; and the opposition were a little rattled by our response. ‘You're in a game, now, lads!' yelled their coach.
In the meantime, our captain, Joe, had made his belated arrival and was to replace Joseph Elliott who had responded really well after not such a great game at Red House, putting himself about to good effect, making some telling interceptions and tackles. I was hoping Joe's attacking threat might cause Easingwold problems in the second half. Unfortunately, they upped their game and came at us strongly. We struggled to cope, not passing the ball well but holding on through sheer grit and bravery. Eventually, we conceded a third goal and we were now having to chase hard just to stand still. They kept on coming and we couldn't handle their quick movement. The defence was leaking and the ship was sinking. Our captain stayed on board, however, and made valiant efforts to save the day, but in vain.
We lost 5 - 1, despite Jack's extraordinary attempts to disconcert our opponents by bombarding them with his boots... twice. The boys had actually played as well as at any time this season for much of the game and must be praised for the guts and determination they showed in order to compete.
Thanks to Mr Glen for his continued presence, maintaining law and order on the pitch while I uncomfortably paced the touchline trying desperately to think of ways to positively influence our play! Well done to Easingwold Town's boys who played very well then politely expressed their appreciation and delight for their eagerly devoured sausages and chips.
Team: Charters, Lodge, Pycock, Thompson, Kaitoga, Elliott (sub. Nordli), Chapman, S. Jones, Buchanan, Keanurico, Tannahill.
Score: Lost 5-1
