Sunday 1 April 2012

Venue: Cantley Park

Blues 2 (0) - (2) 4 Hemsworth Terriers

Blues Scorers:

Mark 1

Nathan 1

PoM: Joe

Referee: Mr P Talbot

Linesman: Mr D Talbot

A full turn out for the Blues with a squad of 13 - Joe, Nathan, Matty, Tom, Liam F, Jamie, Jack, Steven, Liam S(c), Adam, Jordan, Mark and Alex.

The match started in fairly even fashion with the Blues looking to improve on their Wednesday performance. Midway through the half the visitors took the lead and doubled their advantage by the break.

In the second half the Blues were awarded a free kick just outside the 18 yard box on the right. Liam S took the kick which was beaten out by the visitors defensive wall giving Liam a second bite of the cherry - he floated his next attempt into the visitors box and this time Mark found the back of the net with a shot from just inside the 6 yard line to register his name on the score sheet for the first time in about 2 years - well done Mark! 2-1 to Hemsworth.

The visitors hit back with a third goal and then a fourth following a penalty kick. The penalty looked harsh on Tom when the ball bounced unexpectedly on the bobbly pitch and caught his hand which was by his side and was more a case of ball to hand - probably outside the box too - but that's football! Joe managed to pull off a cracking save from the initial penalty shot but unfortunately the Hemsworth spot kicker managed to tuck away the rebound despite a valient attempt by 3/4 Blues players to block his effort. 4-1 to Hemsworth.

The hosts had the final say when Jamie released Nathan up the right wing and the latter managed to force the ball home from a tight angle. Final score 4-2 to Hemsworth.

Mrs Hogg and Mr Pinkney were todays match assessors and awarded their vote to Joe for a first class performance in goal. He pulled off a spectacular one handed diving save to his right in the first half and had to draw on all his powers of versatility when faced with an awkward looking elevated back pass in the second half. He elected to head the ball in the air and completed the move with a vollied clearance. The penalty save was top drawer - Well done Joe.

Mrs Swaby's raffle collected £21and was won by one of the visiting supporters - a big thank you to all who contributed.

A better performance today following the drubbing in midweek but some defensive lapses ultimately cost the Blues the game. The back line looked a little exposed at times and something to work on therefore before our next outing.

We will take a break from training next weekend and meet again at Cantley Park on Thursday 12 April 2012 6.30pm - 7.30pm. Beyond that normal weekend training will take place at Cantley Park on Saturday 14 April 2012 9.00am - 10.15am before our trip to face Rossington Juniors on Wednesday 18 April 2012.

Ballot papers for the player of the season award have now been circulated and we need to collect these as soon as possible. The awards will be held at the Hawthorne Club on Goodison Boulevard in May 2012.