Today we were back to full strength with Josh having fully recovered. It was also our first home game of the season so we arrived early to assemble the goals & nets.This was made much easier with the help from numerous parents, including some who were "old hands" at getting pitches ready.
Just like last week, the weather wasn't particularly kind & we were faced with light rain before & during the first match. However this didn't dampen anybody's enthusiasm & the boys were as keen as ever to get started.
Again, we had plenty of vocal support from family & friends which made for a great atmosphere - & our support was equally matched by the supporters from Swanland.
Match 1 - Lost 1-0
It was evident from early on that we had two very evenly matched teams which resulted in two very closely fought matches. It showed that after last weeks baptism, the boys were more comfortable with the size of the pitch & most of them paced themselves for the duration of the matches.
From the sideline, it seemed to me that we probably had the lions share of the shots, but we were unlucky to be off target or faced with some good defending & goal-keeping.
After a goalless first-half we were undone in the second half by a long range curling shot from outside the penalty area which fully deserved to win the match. A great goal from Swanland!
Match 2 - Drawn 0-0
Yet again I was confronted with a sea of beaming faces all desperately keen to play & try to get on the score sheet. As we learned last week, everyone tends to slow throughout the second match as the effort involved takes its toll, so it was helpful to have 4 substitutes on the sideline who could help out.
Again there were plenty of chances at both ends but both goalies (Benson for us & Oscar for Swanland) did themselves proud & kept the attackers at bay. Our best effort resulted in their keeper "catching" the ball between his knees.
So after the draw we decided to have penalties to add to the fun. I must admit that I didn't keep track of the score, but after some terrific saves from Benson, it was evident we had won the penalty shoot-out - perhaps Fabio should send the England team down to learn from us! :-) (Somebody told me later we'd apparently won 5-1 on penalties.)
So it was another great day all round & everyone's ready for our first indoor training session of the autumn on Tuesday - when we'll have to do shooting practice!!
And the B team got their season off to a flying start with 5-0 & 4-0 wins away at Bridlington!!
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