A 15-man squad travelled to Lichfield for a late 16:30 push back for the 1st game back after the season break. The previous game against Lichfield was a 2-2 draw and both teams were sat high in the table and on level points! This was a very important game for us!
Captain made his speeches introducing new player to the Club, Matt Denver and a welcome sight of Sam Milward also.
With so many defenders in our team, Richard and Matt were pushed up to Midfield, and Billy (after telling me he likes playing up front previously) grabbed the attacking spot joining Roman and Sammy for the day.
Rotation were managed by Manager Cassie supported by Beth.
First half was played very end to end. Strong pace but everyone being guilty of making mistakes to trap the ball from the passes which just created chances for Lichfield and broke down our flow of play.
Lichfield played some very strong fast hockey which the midfield and defence hunted down. Short corners were defender well also and Dom keeping the goals away from the net.
Lichfield got a goal with ten minutes to go in the first half after a blocked shot on goal by Dom's pads rebounded the ball too far for him to kick but placed well for the Lichfield attacker to slip away. 1-0 Lichfield.
Half time talk was about being in charge of the basics. Lets get control of the ball first, and the passing and goals will come.
Telford’s 1st goal comes from just that. Great passing up the pitch getting to a sprinting Billy. Billy making a run at the goal and a diving keeper blocking his strike, the ball fell perfectly in front of Glyn who smashed it into the nett. Goal! 1-1
We kept pushing wanting to get the win but it seemed we were going to run out for a draw as each team prevented the other from getting into the D.
In the final 2 minutes, a Lichfield defender decided that Roman was too fast for him when on the ball so decided to wipe him out instead! This gave us a short corner and the player the sin bin!
1 minute 20 seconds to go!!
Short corner routine 1 discussed, played but blocked by the defender’s foot to give us another short corner.
Short corner routine 2 (we do not have many) discussed, played out short to the Captain which off set the Lichfield defenders. Captain strikes the ball at the far goalpost and with a small deflected assist from their defender the ball hits the back board! Goal! 1-2 Telford!!!
Queue celebrations as the players and side-line crowds go wild with joy (and surprise!)
The final seconds were played out and the game won!
An excellent start for the 2nd half of the season and an excellent win against a very strong team. 3 huge points well deserved!
Well done!
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