Last week I wrote about the importance of this match, not just in terms of the points, but also for a bit of local pride against are rivals.
We spoke before the game about the commitment, desire and passion required to come through this match, and the players did not disappoint.
From the off we were at them, and within 15 seconds Liam Gent intercepted a pass, and shot just over, when he may feel he should of scored. This set the tone as we created chance after chance in the first 20 mins but failed to compete. Time for Peter Bukovec to put his mark on the game. He received the ball from Jason Gale on the edge of the box, turned his marker brilliantly and curled a shot with the outside of his boot into the top corner. 1-0 up and just reward for our pressure.
This injected some urgency into Atcost, as they started to impose themselves upon us. After some poor marking from a throw in, they broke and hit a well struck shot into the bottom corner. 1-1 and we were under the cosh, but still looking dangerous on the break. Then came possibly the turning point of the game, an Atcost player rolled around Oz on the edge of our box and went down, a hotly disputed penalty was awarded. Colin Blewden stepped up and hit the post, and we cleared the rebound.
The second half started much as the first did, with us on top, but not making it count. Then came another pivotal moment, as there was a goal mouth scramble in our box, in which most of our players seemed to get a block in at some point. We eventually cleared the ball up field to Liam, who showed tremendous energy, to travel up the line, pursued closely by an Atcost defender. He then hit a pinpoint cross into the box, where Peter arrived right on cue to finish coolly.
The game really opened up then, as they threw everything at us. We made a change with Rob James, replacing the somewhat exhausted Callum Mansfield. Within 10 minutes Rob broke free, and under a bit of pressure, hit a tremendous shot from about 25 yards with the outside of his boot into the roof of the net. 3-1 up, and about 15 mins to go.
We still were creating and some what against the run of play, their winger drilled a cross in, which fortunately for them went in the top corner. 3-2 and a nervy 5 mins ahead.
We managed to hold out, for a thoroughly deserved victory.
A mention has to go to everyone. The back 5 of Rob, Ada, Galey, Rob C and Sargy were brilliant all day. Benny Turner in the centre of the park with Oz was tremendous. Woody if there were to be a MOTM would have gone close, as he tirelessly worked the flank, and was a constant threat. Callum played well, and the front 2 of Liam Nad Peter were superb.
An all-round fantastic team effort. Well Done.
Squad:
R.Mansfield
A.James
R.Cornish
J.Gale
N.Sargent
B.Turner
A.Tasker
M.Wood
C.Mansfield
L.Gent
P.Bokovec
R.James
S.Waterman