BACK WITH A BANG

What a fantastic end to a week that would have tested the resolve of most teams.  1stly we had the defeat to Halesowen.  Then, awful weather meant no training and finally the team’s injury and illness list grew by the day in the build up to the match.  To top things off, the fixture was reversed to be played at Chelmsley which meant us losing the vital home advantage.

Selection changed several times during the week as at one point we had no Steveo, Mark and Henner’s, giving us the bare minimum 11.  Mark dragged himself out of bed to come and play and Stevo put his knees on the line to be involved in the big game.  Henner’s sensibly sat this one out but was on the side supporting his team mates.

We have seen Chemsley twice this season already and in both games we have been out numbered in midfield.  I decided to match them up with 3 in the middle.  This meant playing a system that was untried, not even in training.  Grahams return was a big boost and Peter’s introduction to our midfield meant we never really lost a tackle or header in the whole game.

The game started very evenly.  Chelmsley opted for pace out wide but Jacko and Mikey were stifling any danger.  The key to this display was our midfield 3.  We were dominating the crucial battles and Graham bossed the early stages.  Robbo and Pete seemed to grow in stature as the game went on.  Pete typically threw himself into tackles and Robbo showed amazing fitness in getting up and down the pitch.  Some of Rob’s passing was the best it has been since his return to the Ravens.  Particularly some of his raking cross field balls to find Dayle. 

I had a chat with Dayle before the game as I feel he has stopped playing to his strengths.  Dayle bounced back with an almighty bang with one of his best displays of the season.  He continually beat his marker and was back to supplying his very best crosses.  Crucially Dayle looked like a goal threat too.  He may have scored on 2 or 3 occasions with a little bit more luck.

The main disappointment at Halesowen was that whenever really looked like scoring.  Even though we created chances we lacked belief in front of goal.  I used the word “clueless” in last weeks report, meaning that when we had the ball in and around the opposition box, we never looked like we knew what the best option was.  Today could not be more different.  Dyl, Halloran and Dayle were fantastic in the 1st half.  Great movement and link up play created chance after chance.

0-0 at half time but we had just about shaded a close game.  Injuries saw Dyl and Halloran come off and Ryan and Sonny go on.  Our subs again did a good job.

Sonny worked harder than he has in recent times and Ryan linked up well with our midfield.  The midfield 3 had by now really taken control of the game.  Robbo, Graham and Peter (twice) were now all even looking like scoring themselves.  There was always the danger of Chelsmley’s pace to go with set pieces.  Stevo dealt with these really well and often came out to catch crosses and ease the pressure.

Frustration was clearly setting in for Chelmsley as we created more and more.  We finally got the goal we deserved.  Brilliant build up play from Graham and Rob and RYAN hit a stunning curling shot into the top corner.

With 20+ minutes left it was now the turn of our defence to come into their own.  The full backs kept the wingers at bay and Mark dealt with the powerful striker well.  I thought in this period it was Matty Barber who stood out.  Interceptions, strong tackles, headers and most importantly he kept organising and kept the team going with his mouth.

More chances fell to us as the game got nearer to it’s end.  I had a terrible feeling that Chelmsley would get 1 good chance. It came in the last minute.  They broke through and Steveo got a crucial hand to the ball.  Matt and Mark then threw themselves in front of the follow up to bravely keep the Ravens in front.

The whistle was music to our ears and a well-deserved victory against another good side.  This performance had everything from the flair and creativity of Dyl, Day, Halloran, Ry and Sonny.  Dominance and Desire from Rob, Gray and Pete and solidarity and passion from Jack, Matt, Mark, Mikey and Stevo.

Well played lads.  That is how to bounce back from a defeat.  Shenley next week followed by Ulverley in the semi finals.  Our 1st ever.  You deserve it.

Steve