Bletchley Manor Football Club vs Syresham Football Club 11/10/2008 FINAL SCORE 3-1 (North Bucks Premier Division)
Following our cup exit last weekend, we were keen to get going in the league once more. In the days leading up to the match we were trying to string 11 players together, with Cookie, Landy, Ryan & Jake added to our list of absentees. As part of our reshuffle Alex was moved to centre back with Jim, Louis filled in at left back with new signing Scott McFarlane in front of him. Shaun was also dropped into midfield and James Hardwick kept his place on the right wing.
We started the game well, with good possession in midfield and defence. Knowles and Dan Jones were causing the Syresham defence problems with their movement and determination. Alex & Jim were orchestrating the play from defence with some neat passes out wide. Syresham seemed content to play on the counter attack, however Kenny & Louis were dealing with their wingers comfortably. After having the majority of possession early on we have some good chances to take the lead, with Knowles & Jones
almost scoring after some determined running. Ben Potter made a couple of reflex saves to keep the scores level.
Our first goal came after 20 minutes. James had picked the ball up in space and sent in a Beckham-like cross which Dan Jones rose powerfully to head home. Amazingly it was the first goal scored by our strikers this season. Only 5 minutes or so later we added a second. Knowles had twisted and turned in the opposition area with the Syresham defenders unwilling to commit to a tackle. After the ball had bobbled up, Knowles' overhead kick from the goal line fell straight onto Jones' head who sent the
ball across the goalkeeper into the far top corner.
The next 25 minutes were quite scrappy with both teams losing possession. Fred & Shaun were working tirelessly to deny the opposition time in midfield. Scott was utilising his long throw to put the Syresham keeper under pressure, looking for the head of the advanced Jim. Towards the end of the first half, despite Syresham putting us under some sustained pressure, we scored our third goal. A pass from midfield found Knowles in space, who roasted his defender and finished powerfully at the near post.
For the second half we needed to keep on top and not give Syresham any confidence. They were pushing more men forward and our defence were caught asleep on a couple of occasions by quick throws and set pieces. They pulled a goal back ten minutes after the restart from a well worked move and finish and you could see them begin to grow in belief. Dan Jones & Knowles were starved of service and Fred was being closed down very quickly. It became apparant from the sidelines that we needed a physical
presence in midfield so Landy was brought on for Hardwick to win some headers and give some protection to the defence.
The game was scrappy for the final half our with both sides coming close to scoring. The only other incidents of note were Alex getting intimate with a goal post and a cameo from Dave Brennan-kamp. Overall a very good team performance with a pleasing result.
Ben Potter, Kenny, Jim, Alex, Louis, James, Fred, Shaun, Scott, Knowlsey, Dan Jones. MOM Dan Jones.
Subs: Mike L, John, Dave
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