OLTON V CADBURY

Sub

• Broadhurst

I came to today’s game surprisingly optimistic. The reason for this was that I felt like nothing else could really go wrong after the week we have had. Sometimes it takes a little adversity and backs against the wall scenario to really find out about yourselves and today, even after all that had gone before this week, we responded in tremendous fashion. Not only by beating Cadbury, but by thoroughly deserving to beat them too.

Earlier this week I found out that our now very small squad would be without Matty Barber. That would mean a serious re-shuffle at the back and when we had been leaking goals of late it was the last thing we needed. Next I was to find out that Stevo would be missing for a while too. So, no centre back and no keeper. That also took us down to 12 players. Not good when you are coming off the back of a tough run of results.

The lads seemed a little down when I broke the news before the game. I think most were asking themselves if we were going to be on the end of a drubbing. Even though last weeks score at Arden was 5-1 I still took great heart from our display so I knew all was not lost. Mark and Ross were key to last weeks improvement and the fact that we had those boys in central midfield are again, meant we would always be in with a chance. Selection was not too difficult due to lack of numbers. Ryan offered to go in goal. It took me back a few years to when he was a regular keeper for us. (He still looked the part).

The main decision would be who would partner Graham at the back.. Peter would be the obvious choice but I had a gut feeling in Dayle. His extra pace would be crucial. Pete slotted in on the left of midfield and other than that it was as you were last week.

Peter captained the team for the 1st time and as usual we lost the toss and we would be against the strong wind 1st half. The whistle went and from this point on the 11 lads on the field took over. In awful windy conditions our midfield 4 were stopping most things from coming through and the new look back 4 were on hand to deal with anything that did arise. We looked completely solid all the way across the back 4 which is credit to Jacko and James who put in much improved performances. Graham was back to his pre-xmas form and Dayle was a revelation. Cadburys had the superb Bottley upfront and although he was twisting and turning in the box with great feet, we stood up to the challenge.

Upfront Dyl and Mike picked up on last week’s performances. Working defenders hard and working well together. We looked to have a threat going forward once again, unlike earlier in the season.

Cadburys had the better of the territory but were limited to shots from range. Ryan’s handling was exquisite. Nothing bounced off him and this instilled a great confidence in the back 4. Cadburys best effort was expertly tipped over by Ry.

We were getting a foothold in the game and Rob was linking up well with Mike. Some good work saw the ball role to Pete who curled the ball around the keeper and into the top corner. 1-0.

The confidence grew as did our football. Mark and Ross had a grip of the midfield and Cadburys were forced into changes. Rob was always our outlet and he was quick to get up the right and link up with the forwards.

The rest of the half was quite too and fro. A great but scrappy midfield battle was developing and this would be where the game was to be won or lost.

Then we scored another out of the blue. A direct ball into Halloran from midfield was brilliantly controlled on his chest. Then, in one movement he turned and lifter the ball on the half volley over the keeper and into the net. 2-0.

Cadbury had realised that with conditions strongly in their favour they needed a response. The only time they managed to break through in the game was just before half time when Bottley pounced to make it 2-1.

The lads were made fully aware that even though conditions would be in our favour in the 2nd half, the game was by no means over. Cadburys haven’t got the record they have by rolling over.

Cadburys dominated possession for the 1st 20 minutes of the 2nd half but the back four, Graham in particular were keeping them at bay. More hard work from our midfield meant we were more than holding our own. Mike continued to cause problems up the right with clever runs and dangerous crosses.

In the final 20 minutes we seemed to grow in confidence and find another gear. Our midfield took over. Mark was the ideal foil for Ross. Ross was now looking the most likely player on the pitch to score. 1st he latched on to a cross from the right. A crisp right foot shot was saved and the rebound with his left was blocked. Then, another cross from the right saw him head just wide of the far post.

In between these chances, Mark and Graham both had shots from distance well saved.

Mark continued to win his battle with Freddy in the middle of the park and Rob and Pete with quick to support in both attack and defence.

The final action of the game saw Mark's corner bobble around the 6 yard box. I think it hit the post at some point. We really need to get one of our strikers in there for these tap ins that we keep missing out on.

The whistle went and a hard earned and fully deserved victory. The signs were there at Arden that we were improving and today we got the result that we have threatened for a while. We have now beaten Cadbury and Shenley. These are good teams. If we can keep our consistency up we should compete in all of the remaining 6 league games.

Well-done chaps.

Steve