Winchmore 1s vs Old Parkonians 1s
SAL Senior Div 1
15 February 2020
Spoils Shared
Storm Dennis was on the horizon but the pitches were playable so we welcomed Old Parkonians to the hallowed turf of The Paulin.
A result for either team would do wonders for their season with both teams lingering near the bottom of the table with Parks having 2 games in hand.
With high winds expected to increase throughout the game the decision was made early to kick into the wind first half. A decision that nearly paid off as we spent much of the second half camped in their half.
Old Parkonians have a history of playing some good possession football. Normally well organised and efficient when they go forwards. Key to stopping them is to get tight, hassle them high up the pitch and stop them playing it side to side.
Alex Bex and Kieran set about this task with intensity and restricted their midfield from having any space. That gave us a great platform to keep the ball ourselves and build our own momentum. 10 minutes in their tenacity paid off. Some quick passes on the edge of the box and Sam Donoghue (that’s right, he’s back!) tucked the ball home from 10 yards.
We continued to create in front of goal. The back four were steadfast in their defending and shut every door that Parks tried to open. Will Deamer was commanding again from set pieces but against the wind it was increasingly hard to get the ball and keep the ball further up the pitch.
Parks equalised from a moment of switching off. What seemed a foul to everyone except the referee lead to appeals from every Winchmore Player in the vicinity. Foul not given and the momentary lapse in concentration meant the ball was popped out into space. With the wind behind him the Parks number 9 tried his luck from just outside the box and despite his best efforts Deamer watched agonisingly as the ball squirmed under him into the bottom corner.
A different day, better conditions and it’s saved all day.
10 to go until half time but no panic. Parks nearly took the lead before the break had it not been for a great point blank save from Will who had yet another good game between the sticks.
Half time. 1-1. Exactly the position we’d gambled being in playing against the wind, we now had the advantage.
Our back 4 were largely spectators in the second half. Every ball towards them hung in the air against the 40mph winds and kept us on the front foot.
We were unlucky not to capitalise on our pressure. Jami Doyle unluckiest of all having 2 shots excellently saved and one cleared off the line.
We looked good. We got the ball wide and are starting to put together patterns of play that are getting us into scoring positions. The goals will come. Another day, another goalie isn’t saving shots. Another day and the cross will have just enough on it. Another day and we close the game out with 3 or 4 goals. Another day and we get that little rub of the green we seem to miss.
We were unlucky not to take all three points and the way the second half went, Parks must have been relieved to have picked up a point from what was 1 of only very few chances they had. We couldn’t have done much more except score. We were hammering at the door but it just wouldn’t open.
Another point gained though. Gifting 3 points to Parks would have been a disaster so we can be pleased with the character we’re showing. 2020 has seen better form and we need it to continue to make sure we’re playing at the highest level next season.
MEC Semi final next week. 1 game away from a show piece. Big job to do.
Despite little to do in the second half, Tom Corfe had most votes for MOM followed by Branners. Both centre halves. When called upon, they did what they needed.
DOD was Kieran who is racking up DODs this season. Smashed Leroy in the warm up and didn’t so much as apologise or even acknowledge his filth. Absolute Roadman behaviour.
Special mention to Sam Russel for a foul throw. Grow up.
Onwards and Upwards