THE FINAL GAME OF 08

Subs

• Foster

• Foley

• Hickman

Our final league game of our 1^st season at the top level and we finished much as we had started the season against Chelmsley. There are of signs of potential but a great lack of belief in our ability has often been our downfall. Too many of our lads are beaten in their heads before a ball has been kicked.

Again we were slow to start and we have found ourselves falling behind in most of the games we have played. The central midfield area has been the biggest step up from last season and we have struggled to compete in that area at times. The 1^st half was one-way traffic as the ball was always coming back.

Ulverley have had a lot of success over the years and this is down the amount of attacking flair that they have. 4, 5 or 6 players look like a constant threat every time they attack. We do not have this luxury.

Ulverley's forward scored a great opener and too be fair we could have already been behind.  Steve continued his impressive form from the Knowle game and was doing well for us inbetween the sticks.

We did look fairly decent on the break though and I was extremely impressed with Dylan’s contribution throughout. He showed great composure on the ball and a good 1^st touch. He always had the ability to beat the player and the last 4 or 5 games have seen the best of him.

The 2^nd goal for Ulverley was really disappointing. We had 5 players within a few yards of the lad who scored. We let him run 15 yards into our box unchallenged and after we stood off and admired a few fancy step overs, he stabbed it into the corner.

Mike and Dyl then linked up well and Dyl's attempted lob went just over. Matty had a chance well blocked and Mike also had a couple of half chances. Our attacking play was definitely the bright spot of a poor 1^st half.

The 2^nd half was much better from us. The subs went on and midfield were now more than up for the battle. Rob began to steamroller his way into the game and a rare run out on the left for Dayle offered much better balance.

Rob put Mike through but the Ulverley lad got back and threw a challenge in. Mike's free kick then went inches wide and Ryan Hickman was making a great impact with several neat touches and 1, 2's. As the belief grew it became clear that there really wasn’t as much between the sides as the 1^st half suggested,

Hickman then smashed us back in the game with a great goal from distance that his performance had deserved. We may have been level with more half chances but Ulverley's pace on the break always looked dangerous but again we shot ourselves in the foot with another really soft goal. 3-1.

More trickery from Dylan bought us back into the game again when he was fouled. Matty scored from the spot and it meant an interesting end to the game.

We pushed forward but again we were stung on the break just before the end. 4-2

The 2^nd half was much better to watch and we passed the ball well and kept better possession. The 1^st half was an example the reason why we have struggled this season.

Steve