Match report - Match day 5 away to Llantwit Yellows - 6 4

Last midweek game before the clocks turn and darker evening come in, referee was late and at least 35 mins away when KO was due to start so decision made by both teams coaches to crack on and they would ref first half and we would ref second half. Kick off with the sun low in the sky and tough to see the ball at times in the air. Fast pace set by both teams and a bit of a battle in the midfield by both teams. A lot of high balls played through and the ball bouncing with the hard ground, a bit of indecisive waiting for the ball at times where we need to be pressing and winning first and second balls. A few decisions not going our way in the first half with pushes in the back and offside decisions, but we got on with it. Just after 20 mins a ball was played through to their playmaker no 25 and they score to go 1 0 up. Not 10 mins later and clearly offside they score again and the ref blows for the goal. Shame really as it was offside and a bit of protesting by coaches, but the ref gave it and we have to play to the ref’s decision so 2 0 to Llantwit. We did create chances up front with Tristan using his pace and power but some great saves by their keeper and hitting the post kept the score 2 0 at half time.

A few disappointed faces at half time but a rallying talk fired them up for the second half, a stretch of the legs again for Coach Gaz to ref the second half. Whistle goes and we start strong and some great midfield play and creating the space we start pressing forward, within the first 3 mins a lovely through ball to Tristan and he calmly slots the ball in the back of the net, 2 1. Quick win of possession and again attacking play sees the ball fall to Cam who strikes and levels the score to 2 2. A bit of a game progressing here, confidence building, and a real battle starting again in midfield. Luca running need to end tirelessly, Jensen and Idris working hard and some good football being played by both teams. Once again through their playmaker 25 they score and make it 3 2. The desire never to give up was evident and we kept going but a gap appeared in defence and they managed to score again 4 2. But it didn’t finish there, we manged to pull another back on 55mins from Dexter from a corner and again with Luca on 66 mins. The fight and drive to keep going as we are often seeing in second halves with our fitness levels, proved to make an intense game. Tristan was brought down but unfortunately as ref I didn’t see it and couldn’t award it as one of their players contact lenses had come out so I was occupied with him and sadly missed the foul. The last 15 mins was a complete battle and a real shift by all players, unfortunately a couple of lapses in concentration and leaving gaps, Llantwit pounced twice to score and make it 5 4 then 6 4. Full time at 6 4 but a good game of football against a team who isn’t shy to use their weight and shoulder to win the ball.

The boys played well and should hold their heads up high as it was a good game of football and we know how good we are and can be when playing, passing and moving, creating the space and getting the opposition to do all the running. Lots of positives from today, and the desire by the team to keep going to the end is impressive. Lots to work on during training nights on Tuesdays moving forward in all areas.
Main thing is, heads held high guys, we pick ourselves up, we dust ourselves down, we look at one another and say well done boys, but we will strive to improve next time. We go again, harder, faster, winning first and second balls, communicating with one another and working as a team. We will lose games during the season, and it will be a rollercoaster of a ride I’m sure. The true test of a team is to put the past behind you as it’s in the past and can’t be changed. We move on and forward as what can be changed is how we bounce back from defeat and use the hurt and disappointment to make us stronger. Back one another up, work together and we can get back to winning as we have goals in us boys. We do, and you are a great team to watch and coach.

Onwards and upwards Sully, positivity and clear headspace and belief that we can do this and we will do this. Your mindset is the strongest muscle in your body, as with a strong mindset and will to push forward, and your fitness levels, you can play some great football. With all of those as a collective team, anything is possible.

Coach Gaz