OUR FINEST HOUR

Subs

• Stokes for Mcloughlin

• Cardall for Palmer

• Hay for Ryan

I think the headline really sums it up.  Over the past year or so we have shown glimpses of potential and flashes of brilliance.  I think back to Coleshill 4-5, Cadbury 0-2.  On those days we competed well but couldn’t win the close games when it came to the crunch.  Today we topped off what has been a great 2 months that has seen us go 7 matches unbeaten.  Now we can add to that a great cup scalp, Premiership leaders Phoenix Rangers.

We all remember the two games against them last season.  We competed both times but their class was just too much.  The Phoenix team that beat us twice last season has even added more quality with 2 or 3 talented additions.  I hope this performance and result highlights the great strides we are making in all aspects of our game.  The first half performance was outstanding and emphasised how we can play our football against the best.  The 2nd half showed how we can grit and tough it out against strong opposition.  The main thing that came out of this game for me was the togetherness of the squad.  Each and every individual knowing that they have a role to play.  Even those who don’t start on any given week feels as important as the next player. 

I will highlight 3 instances to back this up.  Dayle and Dylan being substituted and running 20 or 30 yards out of their way to wish the player coming up all the best.  Matt Barber throwing himself in front of two thumping shots to protect our goal.  Finally, Graham, giving Mike Cardall a big pat on the back as he ran past him after Mike had put in a saving tackle. 

The game itself was outstanding to watch.  With all 14 fit players performing well I again took the opportunity to rotate.  Peter came in for Mike C and Rob returned in place of Sonny.

A tense start saw us up against it but defending bravely.  Stevo was alert to anything over the top and we were slowly coming into the game.  We then had a great 20 minutes that saw us play some of our very best stuff.  Dayle was becoming more of an influence and Henners, Gray, and Robbo were winning the crucial midfield battles.

The Phoenix defence seemed a little shaky and we were exploiting this well.  Halloran fired us in front with a cracking left foot strike after a scramble in the box.  We were 2-0 up soon after when Jacks throw was flicked on by Halloran.  The ball dropped for Robbo to drive into the bottom corner.

Our defence and midfield were pressing the ball well and we were now playing in the Phoenix half.  Phoenix strength is clearly going forward and they were a handful every time they broke away.  Mark and Matt were resolute and Stevo continued to mop up anything that broke through.

Our 3rd goal was real quality.  We broke down the left hand side and a fantastic left wing cross from Dayle saw Robbo arrive at the back post to volley us 3-0 up.

The only other action of the half was the referee’s strange decision to award a Phoenix penalty.  Stevo saved well and we went in with the lead that we deserved.

The 2nd half was always going to be a battle.  We had the slope, the wind and a wound up Phoenix against us.  There were always going to be some hairy moments before we got through this one.

As expected we were pinned back. A succession of free kicks and corners were again harshly awarded against us.  The ref seemed to think it ok that Steveo was held down on corners.  We did concede twice but in between the two goals we were defending our hearts out.  Matty, Jacko, Pete, Mike C, Mark.  Eagerly assisted by the brilliant and battling Henners and Graham.  Graham had the short straw as he was marking the Aston Villa bound Phoenix midfielder.  Gray was outstanding, particularly in the 2nd half when we ha our backs to the wall.

Our subs went on and grafted away in trying to protect our slim lead.  Finally the pressure was relieved when Halloran forced his way through the defence and struck us into a 4-2 lead.  From here on in we just had to be sensible and eventually the whistle blew and our lads could begin to celebrate a great victory.

This performance had everything.  Each and every individual gave there all and it was great the injured Scotty was there with the squad to enjoy the moment.

I have added Matty Barber to the Men of the Match.  After reflecting on the match I feel he deserved it along with the other 2.  So many excellent displays meant if could have gone to anybody.

You lads should be proud of yourselves.  You have earned the right to stand toe to toe with the top teams with all for the hard work you have put in.

Steve