Down but not out

We had the good fortune to play our Monday match in dry conditions last night but that apart not a lot else went right. Our defensive reliance on Kev was shown when, in his absence due to a blister(!), we conceded 5 goals against a side much more on our level than previous games in the top division.

It was a quiet first half in many ways with the 0 - 0 scoreline reflecting few clear cut chances and a balance in the potential outcome of the game. Dave was in goal again and he did pull off one superb stop but we had our chances too. The 2 - 2 - 2 formation was giving the opposition something to think about but that all changed quickly after the restart. An early goal came as a mazy run was followed by a delicate chip over the spread-eagled keeper and more was to follow as Dougie bamboozled himself with a header backwards which enabled the attacker to advance and thrash the ball into the far corner from a tight angle. It was an unfortunate incident and not one where a finger of blame could be pointed but it did look funny!

Not as funny as the third goal which we gave away from a cross which struck Pete as he swung a hefty right foot to clear a corner. He missed the ball which connected with his standing leg and bounced into the goal.

A glimmer of hope came from a throw from Matt C which was controlled and allowed me to turn in the area. The challenge was coming in and years of experience came to the fore as I fell heavily to the ground gaining a penalty (and it was a penalty desipte the enhanced fall). A shot to the usual keeper's right hand corner made it 3 - 1 but another goal followed soon to the other team.

We looked to be in with a chance again when a long throw reared up and struck new Matt as he charged across the area. The deflection caught the keeper out and saw him sprawling to his left but unable to stop the ball.

Sadly the scoring against us continued and we ended up down by 5 goals to 2.

There is always next week may become a common phrase on this site over the next weeks.