Match Report - 6th Feb 2010 v Bridge Colts

'Less Of A Bridge, More Of A Wall!'

A difficult report this week, in that we were as poor as we have been for a long time. The cohesion, passing & movement that we had over the last few games was totally missing but we must credit Bridge Colts for a combative and determined display on their visit to The Den. In the boys' defence, we were grateful that a couple of under the weather players hauled themselves out to play for us.

On the positive side, performances like this last season against the teams at the lower end of the league resulted in draws or defeats, so to come away with a 2-0 win and pick up another 3 points and keep challenging for the league shows great spirit & will to win even when it seemed to be getting away from us. This is how the best teams always win things; managing to dig out a result when it looks unlikely.

The game was a scrappy affair but early domination by Flowserve saw a Ryan shot cleared off the line in the 2nd minute; the boys continued to press but to no avail. Individually, Alex, Cam & Rhys were enjoying plenty of ball but while looking comfortable on it, we were disjointed in our passing and never really threatened the Bridge goal. In our half, Liam & Harry had a fairly comfortable time controlling the Bridge strikers and Morgans goal was rarely threatened.

The 1st half ended 0-0, and strong half-time words from the coach saw the boys sent out for the 2nd half with instructions to be more clinical. Unfortunately, it seemed like Bridge got the same message & went close twice; hitting the bar & Morgan saving smartly.

The game started to swing back our way, however, with Joe at the back & Harry taking over as striker. It still seemed that for all our pressure, the wall-like defence of Bridge was going to hold out. With 6 minutes to go a swift counter attack saw Harry pick up the ball & release Rhys from half-way. With 3 Flowserve attackers bearing down on goal, Rhys coolly slotted home at the near post. Relief all round on the pitch & the sidelines. All of a sudden it was a different game & confidence soared through the Orange with wave upon wave of attack, pinning Bridge back. With 4 minutes left, a Cameron corner found Rhys unmarked in the box & a smart right foot volley from the No.8 nestled in the back of the net. 2-0. Game over.

As I said at the start, these were the games we weren't winning last season and to get out of jail this week is at least one bright spot in a difficult weekend.