If only ALL matches were friendlies !!!
4 Feb 2008
Foresters 'A' 2 - Keston 1
Keston 1 v Foresters 2 3rd Feb 2008
If only every match was a friendly! We kept our unbeaten record in friendlies, how good it would be to produce this form in the league.
Before the match the boys were told about a new formation we would be playing with Jake sitting just in front of the defence to prevent the long ball over the top. What a great job he and all the lads done.
We started slowly and with several changes, Ed Stocker starting in goal, and Jack up front by himself. After this initial slow start we began to pass the ball well and involve Dan Cheek on the wing that went on to have his best game of the season. Foresters were beginning to create several opportunities with Joe, Christian and Tom all firing in shots from distance. Jacks pace was causing difficulties for the home defence and it was no surprise that he beat the defenders for speed and coolly slotted home to give us the lead. Dan then had a great chance to increase our lead but just shot just wide.
The defence of Calum, George, Shashi and Ryan comfortably dealt with all the home side efforts. Ryan in particular was looking assured in his best position of centre back. The rare efforts that got past the defenders were dealt with by Ed in goal.
However despite our efforts of which there were quiet a few we were unable to add a second and in a good break Keston were able to equalise with a wind assisted cross come shot.
1-1 at half time and all the usual concerns were there for me, having played well and created many chances were we once again not going to get the result we deserved.
We make two changes at half time with Jorge going in goal, Luke coming in a right back, and Ed going on the left to replace Joe.
The second half started brightly for us with some good passing moves between Shashi, Ed and Tom, which created several half chances. We took the lead when following a through ball from Ed then great work by Jack; he pulled the ball back to Dan to fire home despite the efforts of the home defender.
This goal seemed to raise the home side and they produced their best football of the match creating 3 or 4 chances, which Jorge dealt with well. When they did manage to get the ball in the net the referee disallowed the goal for handball in the build-up.
Having weathered the storm all the players were determined to hold on for a victory, none more than Christian who took several knocks for his troubles and had to leave the field injured.This enabled us to re introduce Joe who played the ball intelligently to the wings.
The final whistle went and we were all delighted with our best result of the season against a team mid table in a division above us.
Well done to all and Keston for there friendly hospitablity. Keep up the good work and the results will come in the league.
MOM - Jack for non-stop effort & enthusiasm and of course...a great goal!
Julian