Saturday had started so well with us having 14 players that made their selves available for our local derby match against Atcost. Unfortunately this good start wasn’t to continue when Yet again we were let down by individuals not turning up and making it difficult for the other team players to fill their positions … this will not continue next year and those individuals with have to change or not play.
From a 14 player squad to a 12 in a matter of minutes, some reshuffling was to be done … ! With Brownie away with work Alun Evans was leading the way will help and support from Lindo, after putting there heads together (not pretty) they decide to make a few changes. After being let down by our goalie Alun bravely stepped forward to fill the gloves.
As the team have managed to get thereselves in a position of safety (not finishing bottom) the management decided to make a few trials with the Captains arm band. This said it was made clear to the team and Hymers and Woody that this was NO reflection on their contribution during the year, but it was seen as an opportunity to encourage of players to become leaders on the pitch at all times. Lindo and Alun decided that Saturdays captain and supporting Captain would be Barry Leete (Captain) and Steve Lindsey (Supporting Captain).
As a team we sat down before the kick off and talked about how important this games was against a local derby team and that nothing but 100% was expected from every player on the pitch. This was a talk that was very much welcomed by all the players and nothing but positive response was the feed back in the changing room.
As first halves go we started with a high tempo with continued up until the 8min when a hail storm broke out and it was every man and ref for him self as we head inside until the storm had passed. 10mins later we are back out, concerned that we had started well and with a brake in between we were a little worried that we wouldn’t continue at the same tempo … we were wrong as the team continued as we had left the field and pressure was mounting in the Atcost half.
This pressure continued up to the whistle at half time with Pembury repeatedly pressuring the Atcost defence and all over the pitch. Great work by the forwards particularly Mark Wyles who was working incredible hard to win the ball back off the defenders.
At half time we came in 0-0 and as a team we all felt as if we were on top and just needed to continue the pressure and a goal would come but not to panic as that would cause us to make mistakes. We also mentioned that we try and keep off the Ref’s back, even though he was making some very interesting/wrong decisions, as too often we had picked up Yellow cards for dissent and this has to stop.
We kicked off the second half which continued as we finished the 1st with more pressure on the Atcost goal but still struggling to make the opening goal !! unfortunately with the majority or procession and the better chances we were unable to score and things got a little opened up towards the last few minutes, that said every player should be pleased with the commitment and ability to dig deep in a game that meant a lot as Derby games tend to be.
Our forwards played an important part of our teams performance and desire to win the ball with some great work by both Dave and Mark, and they both bullied there centre halves.
The midfield also had a very strong performance that was marshalled very well by both Barry and Steve Lindsey, who both showed to the team what Pembury as a Club expect there captains to be like. The defence should be pleased to have made there 3rd clean sheet of the year and the beginning of a very strong and resilient back four. With great work from both full back and some lovely tackles from Bowyer in the middle.
A big hand to Alun for stepping up to go in goal and although didn’t have much to do when he was called upon pulled off a very good save in difficult conditions.
All in all I’m shut up now but as we said in the changing rooms after the game this work rate and team spirit will have to continue into the remaining games. Good work boys!!
Squad
A Evans
R James
T.Bowyer
A.Lindsey
M.Wood
O.Allman
S.Lindsey
B.Leete
B.Brooker
D.Hymers
M Wyles
Subs
L.Gunning