| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
148 Posts |
 Posted - 03/02/2008 : 17:33:53
|
This was a game that many of us felt that, on paper at least, the Metros had a realistic chance of winning.
A strong cross wind and bumpy pitch did not lend itself to quality football, and although it was the same for both teams it probably favoured Sale's style, get to the ball first and get it up front as quickly as possible. Route one perhaps, and not necessarily a style for the purists, but effective non the less.
Sale took the lead after the Metros failed to clear their lines once too often and the half cleared ball was smashed through a crowd of players in to the net. (0 - 1  )
The Metros struck back quickly with their first really serious attack, Eddie broke away and his pass towards Tom was intercepted by a Sale defender only to see it wrong-foot the keeper and roll in for an unlucky own goal. (Although it was unlucky it just shows the benefit of making the right run, Tom did so and whilst he didn't score it was his run that forced the defensive error) (1 - 1  )
The game turned on a five minute spell towards the end of the first half. Firstly the Metros "won" a penalty when the over fussy referee saw a shirt pull in the box. Eddie placed the ball on the spot only to see Mattie stick the penalty straight down the middle which the keeper saved. From the clearance Sale broke away, and when Luke failed to hold a shot the rebound was buried. Instead of going two one up the Metros found themselves behind, and I don't think that they ever really recovered. (1 - 2  )
Sales third goal was the result of a bizzarre goal mouth scramble. Luke parried an initial save, the ball was only half cleared and ended up looping back underneath the bar, where again Luke clawed the ball way only to see the ball drop to a Metros defender who, at last put their foot through the ball, unfortunately smashing it straight into Harry B's face, on to Sale knee and roll agonisingly over the line. This gave Sale an undeserved 1 - 3 lead at half time.
In reality the Metros never really got going in the second half, although Ben flashed a lond distance shot narrowly wide.
Sale extended their lead when a corner was allowed in to the six yard box, and although Luke saved the initial shot it was a Sale player that reacted quickest to bundle the loose ball over the line. (1 - 4  )
The Metros hardly tested the keeper, whilst at the other end only a full length diving save stopped Sale from extending their lead.
Sale deserved their win because they won more headers, tackles and 50:50's and applied more pressure. The Metros were just second best today I'm afraid. Some players were too bust trying to point the finger of blame, whilst many seemed to be waiting for someone else to do something.
Champagne Moment: Not much to shout about really. Two great saves from Luke but that's what he's paid to do. I enjoyed a couple of towering defensive headers from Kenny.
Man of the Match - Again no-one really stood out. Despite conceding three the defense were't bad so probably Calum for me.
Parent's Man of the Match: Any thoughts?
Referee: 7/10 - fussy but consistent.
Team homework: Back to basics.
Squad: Luke, Jonathon, Hash, Calum, Joe, Matty, Patrick, Ben, Tom, Kenny, Harry & Eddie. Good to see new recruit Josh down watching whilst he awaits clearance to play from the league.
I will be bringing Hot Dogs for all players to the next home game that I am at, but only if all 12 of today's squad have read this report, and left a reply, before next weeks training...... 
Finally, if you have not already done so, can I ask you take take a look at this post which has details of "my" forthcoming charity gig in aid of Brentwood Sopecila Need School - thanks.
http://unicornjfc.forumco.com/topic~TOPIC_ID~375.asp
Rob
|
Edited by - Rob Smallwood on 03/02/2008 17:38:32 |
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
148 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2008 : 18:16:38
|
I've reconsidered the Champagne Moment, and re-awarded it to the flowing passing move between Kenny and Eddie ( I think !) which resulted in Joe shooting narrowly wide in the first half.
Rob |
 |
|
|
Boulton family
Unicorn Bronze Reporter
United Kingdom
3 Posts |
 Posted - 03/02/2008 : 19:18:27
|
I think we played well considering the weather being so cold.  If we keep trying we will win next time. My mouth and nose has stopped bleeding now and am feeling ready for next weeks match. My mum says its not ruined my good lucks!! 
Harry B    |
|
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
148 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2008 : 19:58:12
|
Glad to hear it Haz!
Rob |
|
|
|
Nick Rigden
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2008 : 20:12:53
|
On the whole, given that the Metros played (more or less) into the wind in the first half, they competed reasonably well and were pretty unlucky to go in 3 - 1 down.
However, they never put Sale under any real pressure in the 2nd half and although there were a few shots on target towards the end (Ben's last effort being the pick) it was too little too late.
Although some of the better football was definitely played by the Metros (the move you mention leading to Joe's shot being a good example), it was the lack of a "will to win" that was missing today. Someone needed to take the game by the scruff of the neck and make something happen in the second half, but no one seemed willing to do so - perhaps the arrival of a few more players in the squad in the next couple of weeks will freshen things up and remind the existing squad members that they need to give 100% for the whole match.
|
Edited by - Nick Rigden on 03/02/2008 20:17:54 |
|
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
148 Posts |
Posted - 04/02/2008 : 16:33:53
|
With only Harry having replied it looks as though Hot Dogs are of fthe menu!
Rob |
|
|
|
calum
Unicorn Bronze Reporter
United Kingdom
6 Posts |
 Posted - 06/02/2008 : 19:09:55
|
I think we played quite well in the first half considering we were playing into the wind and we were unlucky to concede the goals.
I think to improve we should all keep our heads up and work harder in the next game. Can only the ones that replied get hotdogs because hardly anyone has answered.
Calum |
|
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
148 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2008 : 09:26:46
|
No - but there's nothing to stop you encouraging the others to reply - but time is running out!!
Rob |
|
|
|
Eagley
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
121 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2008 : 10:40:53
|
WHEN HERBERT GOT A HOT DOG
When Herbert got a hot dog
he stared at it a while,
then dripped a drop of mustard on
and smiled a little smile.
He covered it with relish
which really made him grin,
then spread it thick with mayonnaise
and shoveled onions in.
He splashed it with some ketchup,
as much as he could squeeze,
and tossed on chopped tomatoes
and some shredded cheddar cheese.
He smothered it with sauerkraut,
and bacon bits and beans,
He even added twenty two
Norwegian canned sardines.
He piled it high with pickles
and peppers by the pound.
He topped it off with chili
then he looked at it and frowned.
He shed a single tiny tear
and gave a little pout,
for Herbert hated mustard
so he had to throw it out.
--Kenn Nesbitt |
|
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
148 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2008 : 11:12:22
|
Rob |
Edited by - Rob Smallwood on 07/02/2008 11:12:45 |
|
|
|
Nick Rigden
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2008 : 16:27:53
|
Is there going to be a late flurry of posting from the team? I suspect not.
Looks like Calum's hotdogs hopes are to be dashed... |
|
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
148 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2008 : 23:13:16
|
'fraid so - better luck next time Cal!
Rob |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Metros 1 - 4 FC Sporting Sale
