| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 07/10/2007 : 16:51:33
It's not often that you open a report on a four goal home defeat by saying that this was the team's best performance of the season - but it was - by a country mile.
With several players unavailable a bare 11 Metros took to the field knowing that another performance like last weeks was just not acceptable, and with coach Chris back at the helm started much more positively.
The first half was very even, both teams competing well for the ball, and both defences holding firm. It was Dean's that fashioned the first chance when the centre forward broke clear with just the keeper to beat but Luke again showed his strength at "one on ones" to save with his legs.
Kenny came close with a free-kick that drifted over but didn't make the keeper work.
At the other end Harry Boulton broke free and held off the challenge only to shoot straight at the Dean's keeper.
Meanwhile Tom took a knock meaning that the Metros had to play with only 10- men, only able to return just before the interval.
With only minutes to go to half time Deams broke again, Luke again saving well but the rebound was forced on to the post and with the Metros defence turned, bounced back to an unmarked Dean's player to score (0 - 1  ))
It was cruel luck on the Metros who had earned the opportunity to turn around all square.
The second half was a similarly tight affair, but it was the Metros defence who were under most pressure, but for 20 minutes they protected the keeper much better.
At the other end Jake had two good chances but could not test the keeper, whilst Patrick had several free kicks but again couldn't force the keeper into action.
Dean's the cemented the game with three unstoppable shots, whilst the first may have been intended to be a cross the other two were well placed shots, from distance, that left Luke with no chance. Yes - you can shoot from outside the box - a lesson that the Metros midfield and "strike force" would do well to learn. (0 - 4  ).
Kenny worked his socks off as usual, Ben, Calum, Jonathon and Luke were their usual dependable selves, and the others all had good games in patches - but need to take it to that next stage.
The scoreline flattered Deans - but then again it was the Deans players that were prepared to shoot, and that proved to be the difference at the end of the day.
The Cup dream is over, but with this amount of effort and just a little more composure thhis team can turn this season around.
My Man of the Match: Calum - consistant and persistant.
Parent's Man of the Match: Jonathon took the honours this week, as well as picking up a bonus for the best tackling of the afternoon, Kenny picking up the passing award.
Champagne Moment: Tempting to give it to the Dean's winger for his chip shot for the fourth goal, but this is a Unicorn site, so it goes to...no sorry - I can't think of one - someone else will have to!
Referee: 8/10 - might have missed a couple of pushes but was in control throughout.
Team homework: Finishing!
Squad: Luke, Joe, Calum, Jonathon, Ben, Mattie, Patrick, Kenny, Harry, Tom, & Jake.
Paddy and Hash were away,Eddie I assume still injured. Hopefuly they will be back soon to create some competition for places.
Rob |
| 1 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Nick Rigden |
Posted - 07/10/2007 : 20:11:51
As you say Rob, a much improved performance from last week. 4 - 0 is certainly not a fair reflection of the performance that the Metros put in, and if we had turned around at 0 - 0 at half-time, I feel a different result might have been on the cards.
Fair play to the Dean's players, who showed the Metros how to score goals with some excellent strikes, but I feel they benefited from the space afforded them by a Metros side that was by then chasing the game to get a goal back.
As for the champagne moment. A tricky one as you say. Luke's save certainly deserves a mention in this context (yet again  ), but there was also a lovely passing move down the left in the first half which stood out - can't remember if it lead to anything as concrete as a shot on goal (seems unlikely ) but it was good to see - Kenny, Ben and perhaps Patrick and Harry were involved I think.
Away from the football, a couple of parents mentioned the need for some form of social event as a team building/bonding exercise (this is for the players Nige  ). All suggestions welcome, but I would recommend that in order to get something organised relatively quickly (and from past Metros experience this would be an achievement in itself) I think we should aim for something reasonably low-key - I'll throw ten pin bowling into the hat as an idea.
And finally, I forgot to mention that Calum and Kenny will be absent from training this week as they are on a school residential trip.
See you all next Sunday.
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