When trying to measure the development or level of a team or player, consistency is obviously key. Over the last three matches the team has demonstrated real growth in their passing, movement and most importantly decision making.
The three results, a draw, win and a narrow defeat, really don’t fully reflect how well the team has played and it would not have been unjust for the team to have won all three.
In the match itself we totally dominated. Tom stepped into goal for the first half and was unlucky with a goal out of the blue that slipped under his body. We had six or so very good shots with their keeper being forced into strong saves. Also Eddie starting as captain and who was flying in the early part of the game, missed by inches with a great strike across goal to the far post.
Alekis and Dan were calm and strong and used the ball well. Seamus as always was all over the pitch commanding the centre. Max came on for his first start at Captain and showed his usual good running but his improved passing. It seemed only a matter of time before the team’s dominance let to some goals.
With the second half Seamus went in goal and Alekis pushed up to the midfield. Dylan who had been in midfield dropped back into defence with Dan. In a role he hasn’t got much experience of Dylan deserved his MOTM award he tackled when needed but also brought the ball forward confidently helping to start an almost constant amount of attacks.
Cameron played his best game, he clearly is finding his feet and demonstrating his enormous talent for his age. Finding space and unlucky with some good work on crosses. Louis was also into the game running into space and hitting some very good passes into Jack.
Out of the the blue All Stars broke away and scored. Many a team would have been deflated, but Priory Park have real belief in themselves and most importantly each other. Isaac who again showing real consistency over this bunch of games attacked of the left and fired a ball into the area. It was picked up by a defender who tried to clear. Isaac blocked the clearance and the ball flew into the net for his first goal for the team.
With Eddie back on, crosses were being smashed in, some just too good to get that touch. Alekis seemed to run past their entire team but never pulled the trigger on the shot. As the game drew to its close, Jack who had lead the line so well with really great movement and intelligence spun on a ball out wide and caught a fantastic strike. For once the All Stars keeper didn’t even move. The ball fired towards the top right hand corner and somehow just skimmed past the post.
It was a disappointment but the boys seemed very positive, I think they knew, as we did that if we keep working and playing at this level the many positive results will come our way.
Tim