And we just keep marching ON ON ON! Cringey way to start the report, but don't think I was the only one buzzing after the win, or maybe I was! On the way there the bus seemed a bit quiet, maybes missing the so bad it's good banter that Owen provides, the journey mainly consisted of Ab buzzing about nights out, in particular the event at The Northern Echo Arena, not sure on the definite event name as it was changed for legal reasons, nevertheless the driver managed to get us there safely and soundly. Arrived at the fairly smart sports complex and were directed to our changing room, Gary named the starting 11 with Ben coming in for Tunner and Sam for the ill Callum Roe. After a solid 2 minute warm up the referee called for the game to begin and we were underway. We didn't exactly come firing out the blocks, yet they posed no real threat with Marvin Emnes up top looking like the only threat they had. Abel and Wayne were once again winning everything in the middle, Westy was running himself into the ground as normal and defence were solid. Our width was coming in very useful and we managed to get some joy from both wingers, one occasion Westy pulled the ball back to me and a shot destined for the top corner was kept out expertly by the opposition goalkeeper. Eventually after many chances Hal did excellent to beat a couple of men and get to the byline, before he cut the ball across and Westy was there to tap in, however the keeper saved it and it rebounded of Robs shin and went in, scruffy but didn't matter, 1-0. We went again and we were passing the ball very decently, ball retention was top notch except a couple of final balls letting us down. After having a goal ruled out for offside, I found myself on the end of an exquisite ball through from Sam Burchett to slot into the bottom corner and make it 2-0, we were cruising. Wayne, clearly playing for the camera, tried a rasping 30 yard effort with his weaker foot, which just evaded the bar. We were really asserting ourselves on the game, and playing with great confidence. Ref blew the whistle and in we went to Gary, 2-0 up and comfortable. Pleased with our performance, Gary gave us a few little bits of advice but merely it was just keep going as your going. I was guilty of the old kiss of death by saying we could get 5 or 6 goals, clearly slightly too confident. Middlesbrough made a few changes, and strangely enough it was the blond Augustus Gloop who seemed to be difference in their team second half. Hal soon felt the affect of him with a tackle which forced him to fall on top of poor Hal, painful to say the least. 10 minutes in the second half and we were under the kosh, the wind making it difficult to play. Gary opted to use his versatile captain to adopt a Cheik Tiote role and break up what they had to offer, which was message understood and received on my behalf. Once again we were on the wrong end of a poor refereeing decision to award them a penalty, in all fairness I was stood pretty close to the ref and the angle did look like handball, however Connors subsequent ball mark showed otherwise. It was hard to blame the ref and the penalty was tucked away, 2-1, game on. It was now going to be backs to the wall, and try and catch them on the break. Strangely, they never actually threatened Jake properly once after the goal, which was all good for us. After we recomposed after the goal we started knocking the ball about quite smoothly again, with our midfield 3 working well and communicating all the time. We had chances to kill the game off, I had 25 yard strike, which was probably the best I have ever struck a ball, which went agonisingly close but went just over. Their keeper had to pick a couple loose shots and Hal had an opportunity to play the ball in, but like every great striker was selfish and went for goal, no harm in that at all by the way, unfortunately went just wide. You may think I'm missing our best chance to wrap it up if you were, but we will get to that. Without any genuine chances for them the game ended 2-1 and we had won again, we showed quality in the first half and resilience in the second to get the win, slightly like Newcastles performance against Cardiff earlier this season. The banter on the way home improved, with everyone appreciating the efforts of Ab, and Ben repeating a shocking video much to Tunners pleasure.
Man of the Match;
Goughy got it today for another quality performance. For a smoker the lad doesn't half love grafting in the game! His game typically improved once he had stopped being recorded yet I'm sure he'll find evidence he's happy with as he was class all game. To be honest a lot of players could of been given MOTM today, Gary was the one who chose Wayne out and not many could disagree.
Cock up of the Week;
As previously mentioned, we had one golden chance to finish the game off. If I remember correctly Wayne ran down to the byeline, crossed the ball in and it bounced about all over, it fell to Dan who from a good ruler length out put the ball over the bar! It happens to the best of us, it seemed to just hit him to be fair, yet there was no escaping getting C.U.O.T.W for it! Luckily we managed to hold out to spare the poor lads blushes, but it wasn't forgotten!
Obviously no game next week, no scheduled game week we come back so I will let everyone know on what the crack is when we get back. Have a canny week off lads and see you all when we get back, providing I'm not arrested on Sunday at the derby! Well played again lads, let's keep the run going.
No comments:
Post a Comment