Men's 5th XI Vs Newport 2

Telford’s 5th team travelled to Newport in a game which we knew we arguably be our hardest of the season, however what we didn’t know was this wasn’t going to be any ordinary game…

This game marked new player Edward Follows’ first match for us, Seth returning to goal & Gary Stacey returning from Injury as well.

Minutes into the first half controversy struck - The ball played from the right and into the “D” hit a Newport foot and that player hit the ball into the goal. However this was unfortunately given as a goal, despite the protests to the umpires for a clear infringement.

However we regrouped and started to apply pressure to the opposition which saw a flurry of chances from our left side and if these counters didn’t go to plan, we knew the previous M.O.M, Freddie, would be there to stop the opposition.

About 10 minutes had passed of solid structure and team cohesion. This was to unfortunately be disassembled with another Newport goal, though the natures of the goal was very much the same as the first - Ball hit into the “D”, hits Newport’s foot and they score. More protests were made to the umpires after a replica of the first goal occurred, however the umpires continued to state they didn’t see it.

Not long after this, ST on the right side of defence had lifted the ball over a players stick but met the shin pad of this player. The play was stopped for the ball being “too high” and above the shin pad of the Newport’s player. With uncertainty of why the play was stopped for this reason, the opposition took advantage and made a swift move to the far post for the ball to be deflected into the goal.

At this point in the game the team felt demoralised from the decisions and that nothing could make things worse… but we were to soon going to find out that this wasn’t the case. This is because Newport once again attacked and played the ball into the “D” but with the ball stopping courtesy of their players foot and a goal was given again.

The score was now 0-4 and the first half was coming to an end … I think we know what’s coming.

The opposition have the exact same scenario occur again! Captain Ewan then approach’s the umpires and makes it clear that their decision is final which we will respect, however this is one of many goals that have had an infringement occur. To much of Telford surprise the whistle then blew a different way and the goal was overturned and a 16’ (not a free hit?) was given.

Half time was not long then blown. 

The team, impacted by the decisions of the game, was clearly frustrated and couldn’t find a rhythm back into the game. However we all analysed what had occurred and what we can do differently and headed back into the pitch for the 2nd half.

A tactical change saw Abraham move to the left side of midfield to target the opposition vulnerable right side of defence which was spotted by John Higginson. This saw even more chances be created and short corners too (John Keeble with a close chance to score from one but a good defensive block from Newport saw it stopped) but the final moments weren’t there for us and we couldn’t find the perfect opportunity to score.

Similar to the first half, Newport moved the ball quickly on our right side and a quick shot to the far post surprised us all and Newport found themselves 5-0 up.

Telford found themselves needing to regroup from the centre circle despite making very good chances from both sides of the pitch in this half. 

Newport had a short corner delivered to the top of the “D” and drilled into the bottle right of the goal, however this fortunately correctly overturned as the ball hadn’t gone outside the “D”.

Hope then seemed to appear that that this half could potentially start to swing in our favour … but this wasn’t to be. Newport, familiar with their success from quick plays from the left, found themselves with another opportunity  and they dispatched the ball to the right side of the “D” which was controlled with the back stick of the oppositions player and they scored another goal. Despite this infringement the goal was unfortunately given.

The remainder of the half saw new player Edward move into central midfield (originally being out wide) and he linked up nicely with Jack, Tom & both John’s. Encouragingly though, as the half came close to ending, chances were still being created through Pip & Gary from defence and Dylan’s technical attributes were put on show as he continued to glide past players and find 5th Team top scorer Coler.

However the 2nd half ended and finished 0-6. Despite the score line and disappointing moments in the game, there was still lots to be proud of. Such as Seth, who had a busy afternoon, but still continued throughout the game to command his defence and make lots of fantastic saves. The team as a whole also continued in this game to show that they always strive to put in 100% until the final whistle is blown.

Man of the match was awarded to Abraham.

Special mention to the in-the-making Men’s 6th/development team who played a friendly against Newport 3’s and the game ended 0-0. Lots of positives were being spooked about this game, with many players playing together for the first time so well done!