OPTIMISM FOR NEXT SEASON

 Subs

• Barnes for Cardall

• Cardall for Palmer (inj)

A great display and plenty of effort finishes the season as the Ravens gave Champions Phoenix more than a run for their money.  We were the better side for long periods but clinical finishing from Phoenix was the difference.

Henry came into the midfield in Marks absence and did wonderfully well.  He and Graham competed well in a tough midfield battle and both came off the field with there heads held high.

We gave us good as we got in the 1st half.  We had created the better chances before Phoenix scored from a long throw that was headed over Steve.  Halloran had our best chance but his free kick hit the ball when it was destined for the net.

Defensively we were sound and the midfield had won the 1st half battle.  It was a shame we came off a goal down.  The lads were clearly pumped up and believed we could go on and cause an upset.

The 2nd half was much the same although Phoenix edged it this time.  Our midfielder’s legs finally tired and we gave away 3 fairly soft goals in a short period.  It was nice to see us raise our game again for the final 15 minutes and finish the season on a high.  Halloran should have scored when his hard work left him a tap in only for his shot to hit the post.  Ryan had got to the by line and cut the ball back well to give Mike another chance.  This time the keeper saved well. 

We finally got the goal we deserved when Mike was bought down in the area.  Ryan coolly scored from the spot and it was no more than we had deserved.

A 4-1 defeat didn’t tell the whole story.  The referee and their manager said much the same.

Well done to our lads for a brave performance against a side that is clearly destined to do good things in the Premier league next season.

Steve