RAVENS FINISHING STRONG

Subs

• Foster for M.Barber

• M.Barber for Cardall (injured)

Our 2nd game of our 5 away match run in to the end of the season saw us visit Knowle Eagles.  Knowle have tended to get the better of us over the years so we knew this would be a tough game. Both teams were on the same amount of points and the Eagles had already turned us over at Damson Lane this season.

A stiff wind and a slope in the same direction meant that there would be a clear advantage to the team going that way.  Selection was tricky with Mike Halloran on holiday, Jim injured and Alex absent.  This meant a new look strike force of Dylan and Peter.  Graham continued to partner Mark in midfield.  Matt stayed out on the left and Ryan moved back to the right.  Man of the Match Dayle slotted in at left back and that would prove to be crucial to our win.

We won the toss and would kick with the advantage so we thought we need at least 3 goals advantage in those conditions.  We were slow starters and the tall and pacey Eagles forward twice burst through our defence and fired inches wide.  We quickly realised that only Dayle had any hope of matching the forward for pace so wherever possible he was Dayle’s responsibility. 

We soon took control of possession and played some nice stuff.  Chances began to come but we couldn’t get the goals we needed.  Dylan twice fired wide and Peter had our best two chances and should have scored.  The encouraging thing was the link up play of the two new forwards.  They often combined well to set each other up and also used our midfield well at the right times. 

We broke the deadlock mid way through the half when Mark started a move and made a surging run forward.  We picked him out with a good pass and Mark curled us in front from the edge of the box.

More chances came and we were clearly the better team but we failed to capitalise and only led 1-0 at the break.  We knew we would be up against it but we have one of the best defensive records in the league and we knew we could play our football up the hill.

In the 2nd half we were even better.  Steve commanded his area well even though it was a fairly quiet day for him. (the way it should be).  Henner’s was solid on the right and Dayle continued to marshal the dangerous forward with a string a crucial blocks and interceptions.  Scott and Mikey were quick to re-shuffle and cover the dangers elsewhere.

The midfield had really taken control.  Graham was particularly good in this half and was a really force.  Ryan was our out let on the right and had a great 2nd half, rarely giving the ball away and linking up with the forwards regularly.

We got the 2nd goal that our pressure deserved.  Dylan was leading the line superbly and creating attack after attack with his key passes and flicks.  On this occasion his telling through ball set Peter up for his 3rd chance and most difficult chance of the game.  Pete made no mistake and we led 2-0.

The Eagles got a little more into the game but nothing to serious as we snubbed out any danger.  We were always a major threat on the counter attack and with 20 minutes to go we got the vital 3rd goal.  Ryan set Graham up to head us 3-0 in front. 

There was a long time to go but we did a great job at taking the sting out of the game with good ball retention.  Our new look team has visibly grown in confidence and there was no way we would lose this one. 

Knowles goal came from a long kick out.  Scotty surprisingly let this one bounce and we were in danger.  From that attack we conceded a weak goal but all in all it was a great performance and a comfortable win against a good team.

That’s 6 points from 6 and 12 still to play for.  If we can pick up another 9 points we will finish 3rd of 4th which was our target.

Well done to all involved.  You have made selection tough for the Halesowen game and that’s the way it should be.

Steve