v Bournemouth Electric . Lost 3-0
What's that old football cliche? A game of two halves? Well - it's true.
The first half performance from our team was really, really good. Passing, using the width, recycling the ball to keep possession, defence splitting passes etc etc. The only thing missing was a goal! How we didn't score, I have no idea. Actually, that's not true - poor finishing is poor finishing. Yes, we hit the post and lots of shots very close to sneaking in, but nothing hit the back of the net. Electric (with only 8 players) managed to sneak a goal just before half time. I think the lads came off a bit shocked.
During the half time break, Zack was feeling very unwell and could not continue which meant having to adjust the side to play Callum in defence. This was a shame as both Zack & Callum were having very good games.
As the second half started, it was obvious that the flowing football we were playing had gone & we began to spend too much time on the ball, leading to losing the ball & another goal against.
You have to credit Electric for their second half showing with a man down - they had plenty of chances. It's a good job H was on top form with some fabulous saves & solid goalkeeping.
As we pushed on to try and get back in the game ( on a very heavy, puddle filled pitch), we started to play a very high line & Electric capitalised on more that one occasion. 2-0 led to 3-0 half way through the second period as H found herself one on one with a very fast and skilful striker. As she (rightly) came out to narrow the angle, he deftly chipped the ball over her head and into the goal. Hats off - what a superb finish!
I have to mention Marco, who along with superb defending made two gut busting runs, the whole length of the pitch only to narrowly miss his shot on both occasions. He also came off the pitch shortly after with an asthma attack!
Elliott was having a decent game but had to come off due to a very heavy challenge on his ankle & this again disrupted the balance of the side.
Near the end, a handball in the box gave us a chance to get a consolation goal. In the absence of Elliott, Emre stepped up to take the kick. Normally, he nearly breaks the net, but the dodgy pitch meant he slipped as he took the shot & spooned the ball over the bar! He quickly regained his composure though & was soon battling for the ball to snatch another shot on target, which was pleasing for me.
The pitch & illness/injuries all played their part in the loss but we didn't finish a chance even before the changes in line up. Overall, it could have been a very different result if even one of the first half chances had gone in, but in the end Electric got the win. I believe, and others have said the same, that we were the better team - but that's football! Encouraging signs for us but no points.
J
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