WE'VE DONE IT AT LAST

Subs

• Palmer for Stokes

• Halloran for Hay

• Cardall for Foster

• Stokes for Mcloughlin  

I guess it would have been silly of us to think that we would do something the easy way.  Anybody who has seen us over the years knows that we have to have a few ebb and flows before we get the job done.

We have never won at Moor Green over the 7 years and the unusually small and narrow pitch makes things awkward.  The Moors would always be up for this one with relegation hanging over them if they lost today.

Selection saw changes made from last week’s win in an attempt to adjust to the conditions and to give everybody an opportunity to make an impression for the final.  Scott replaced Mikey at left back, Ryan and Sonny came in on the wings and Pete replaced the injured Henner’s in midfield.  Graham partnered Dylan up front.

The game began and Moor Green should have scored within minutes.  We just managed to clear a goalmouth scramble and we were struggling to settle.  We wanted too much time on the ball for that size of pitch and we were too often caught in possession.

Few chances came at either end with lots of speculative shots from distance didn’t really trouble the goalkeepers.   The space seemed to be out wide and we were a little guilty of playing too narrow.  This is where Dayle’s introduction would be crucial.

We did manage a goal in the 1st half to calm all of the nerves.  MARK had missed a few free kicks already before hammering a 35 yarder into the net.  Once again we still didn’t really perform any better after this.  Dylan’s quick feet created himself a chance only for a bobble to see the ball fly high and wide.  Half time 1-0.

At half time I felt changes were needed in personnel and shape.  We went to a 4-3-3 in a ploy to dominate the middle of the park.  This drew the Moors midfield more central and allowed Dayle the space that we wanted him to have.  Graham dropped into a more familiar midfield role and immediately Rob and Pete seemed to have found more space. 

Even though we were doing a little better the Moors levelled when a cross shot went in off Scotty. 1-1.  I threw Halloran on in an attempt to boost our attacking options.

A major difference between us this season and last is that last year we would have got demoralised with that goal.  Nowadays we go again and get onto the front foot.  That was the case.  A long ball saw DAYLE burst through the middle and hammer a low left foot shot past the keeper.  2-1.

From here on in we were comfortable and looked like scoring every time we went forward.  The midfield dominance was there for all to see and Rob had taken a real grip of things.  The next goal looking ominous and Dayle’s in swinging corner was met at the back post by DYLAN and a thumping headed made it 3-1.

More chances came and went.  Pete had a great shot brilliantly saved.  Halloran was bright and threatening and Dayle continued to torment. ROB collected the ball and a typical powerful run and shot from distance almost burst the net. 4-1.

The Moors to their credit continued to push forward and always looked like they could get another goal.  Another scramble saw a tap in for 4-2.  Defensively we were just ok today.  I guess we are allowed 1 blip in a season.

The quality of our goals was the most pleasing thing of all.  HALLORAN was not to be out done and number 5 was a match for all of the others.  He stepped inside his man and cracked a shot into the top corner to make it 5-2.

Positives were there once again.  5 different scorers and 5 great goals will be good for confidence going into next week’s final. I was keen to sort the promotion issue out today so that we could go all out next week without thinking of the league. 

Congratulations to everybody involved with this seasons effort.  Players, Rach, Bill and all of the supporters and helpers who have waited patiently for this team to prosper.

At the end of last season I told our players that we were not far off the big boys and that this would be our season if we stuck together.  Several lads had the opportunity to move on and play at the top but they stuck it out.  Whether you have done 2 seasons like Pete, or 8 seasons like Ryan this is great reward for great effort, patience, loyalty and commitment.

We have achieved our number 1 goal for the season (promotion).  Everything from here on in is just a bonus.  Lets go and give Cadbury the game of their lives.  You……no, WE,,,,,,,,,,, ALL deserve next Sunday.

Steve