I'M PROUD

Subs

• Hay for Bissell

• Stokes for Palmer (inj)

• Bissell for Halloran

• Halloran for Hill

Top of the league Chelmsley visited Damson Lane today in a must win game for the Ravens.  Defeat would have seen us fall too far behind the leaders and we were all fully aware of what was needed to be done.  Chelmsley beat us convincing on the opening day of the season and a big improvement was needed all round.

Once again our lads rose to the occasion in a game that wasn’t for the faint hearted.  Our lads attempt to play football were continually foiled with reckless, late and dangerous challenges.  The list of casualties grew during the game but credit to our substitutes for going on in a tough situation and giving their all.

Thankfully we were assigned a referee who was strong enough to cope with the encounter.  I fear some of the refs we have had in previous weeks would have buckled under pressure both on and off the pitch.

The early stages of the game saw Olton taking charge.  Our usual threat came from Dyl, Dayle and Mike H up the left side whilst the other midfielders battled for early possession.  Chelmsley were always dangerous coming forward with big, strong and quick players proving to be a constant threat.  The early defending from all of the back four was excellent.

As the half wore on we were taking control of the game.  Chances were few and far between but we were having the best of them.  Sonny’s introduction to the right wing almost worked immediately as his shot was well saved. 

We did manage to open the scoring when good football saw Dyl burst into the area, only to be pulled back.  A penalty was correctly awarded and Mark stepped up for the 1st time this season to put us in front.

Chelmsley hit back with instant pressure but Steve was never in any real danger.  A free kick saw us concede when a flick on found the Chelmsley player unmarked and he coolly volleyed them level. 1-1.

The Ravens again upped our game and successive corners from Dayle saw Halloran fire us back in front.  Shortly after Dayle was badly injured in the 1st very poor challenge of the game.  Unfortunately from this point on it the game went down hill and the standard of challenges got worse.

We defended resolutely in the 2nd half with our backs against the wall for most of it.  Pete and Jack stifled out any danger out wide and Mark and Matt continued where they had left off earlier.

Then the game had its sourest moment.  Steve smothered a through ball only to be challenged very late but the on rushing forward.  The referee didn’t hesitate to send the player off and Stevo did remarkably well to continue with cuts and bruises on his legs.

More bad challenges went in and Ryan was on the end of the next one.  Ryan reacted badly and the referee sent him off in an effort to appease the Chelmsley fans who were forgetting that they were at a YOUTH football match and were trying to incite trouble both on and off the field.

The next few minutes saw another player from either side booked and with Chelmsley taking a grip of the midfield it was just a question of whether the Ravens would hold out.  Steve gathered two crosses and crucial headers were won when defending corners and free kicks.

Sonny had a chance to seal it when he broke through only to see his shot go inches wide of the upright.

The whistle blew to the relief of everybody and the battered and bruised Ravens left the field with the dignity of a side that had tried to play football against immense adversity.  Unfortunately certain teams reputation go before them and it is sad to say that it was no surprise to anybody the way the game panned out.

Our players can view the league table proudly as our hard work has seen us reach the top for the 1st time.  Everybody did so well but big mentions to Steve for carrying on, Matt B and the defence for being tremendous all day and Dylan and Sonny who were a constant threat throughout.

Well done my boys.

Steve