Men’s 7ths v Chapeltown 2nd 12th March

Men’s 7ths 1 Chapeltown 2nd 5

Like all teams this weekend we were short on numbers finishing up with a bare 11 against a team who beat us 12-0 earlier in the season.
We were quickly 3-0 down (sounds familiar Chris?) and a quick change in formation with a sweeper behind the sweeper we stopped them creating chances so readily and only one more goal was conceded in the first half , from a penalty stroke .
We gave a much better overall display in the second half and actually drew that 1-1 to give what seemed something of a triumph.
Now for personnel Lewis Birch in goal gave a fantastic display of saves , blocks and clearances and was definitely man of the match. He got a stick to the stroke in the first half but saved another in the second to prevent their star forward his hat trick. Kai Haste Wain scored his first senior goal following up a Dan Bunter flick from a short corner and steering home the rebound. But that was only a part of the story with him and Joe Highland working hard to create opportunities in a really good display against strong opposition. Joe covered so much turf and Kai slipped back confidently yo give Dan Bunter a break in mid field when Dan eventually ran out of juice after his second game of the day. Dan made a difference and thanks for doubling up. Nigel Ward and Nick Bettles worked well from limited ball and gave good outlets down the right and some penetration into their circle. Our augmented defence of Finlay Bird , Ahmad Kazmi , John Tidy , Barry Jackson with me sweeping behind limited Chapeltown’s opportunities to a manageable level and gave some good outlets to others , and anything that did get through Lewis as mentioned dealt with admirably . Well done everyone , great team effort..
Good attendance for teas at Sports Park , plenty of sandwiches and chips.