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On a bitterly cold morning, a rather sleepy bunch of lads turned up to Patricroft Rec to face 2nd in the league, Parkwyddn Predators.
Certainly the early exchanges didn't bode well for the Beechy boys. We seemed a bit sluggish to the ball and were very much getting over run in midfield to the extent that we were practically penned in to our own half. However, despite going two goals down, there were some encouraging breaks from us, with Martin and Stewart both getting chances to test the Parkwyddn 'keeper.
Also, we did seem to be getting a better grip as the game wore on and above all the spirit and attitude of our lads seemed to be good. Contrasting that with the sometimes niggly, streetwise approach of our opponents, Wayne knew exactly what words to employ during the half time team talk.
Stressing that we rise above the disruption used by the Predators and instead focus on moving the ball quickly and letting the Ref control the game, the lads soon got their act together in the second spell.
A couple of early half chances for us, seemed to deflate our opponents and with Reece and Oscar really starting to bomb forward and link up beautifully with Josh, Stewart and Martin, the goals soon came.
Josh opened our account with great reading of the play, as he stole in at the back post for a lovely slot in to the corner of the Parkwyddn net.
Shortly after, a trademark solo surge from Stewart, coupled with good link up play from Oscar, saw our ace marksman equalise.
Soon after that, with the Predators shell shocked and on the ropes, a great through ball saw Oscar alone in the area with only the keeper to beat. Unfortunately, or so I thought, Oscar had knocked it too far ahead. But showing great desire he still chased after what looked like a lost cause. This action caused the opposition 'keeper to panic and he brought Oscar down, for a penalty.
If I'm honest, the resulting spot kick wasn't Oscar's best effort, but he was intelligent enough to realise, that as their keeper was a big unit, it might be a good idea to stick the ball low in to the corner. Thankfully that's what Oscar did and we took a deserved lead.
Naturally at this stage I couldn't believe what I was seeing and win or draw I was going to be overjoyed. If you'd said to me that we would leave Edison Road with a point, I'd have thought you bonkers, never mind that we were 1 minute away from all 3 points.
Don't be under any illusions, this result will go down as a shock in our division and we've probably guaranteed that Monton sports will win the title.
Despite that, Wayne, myself and Richard always knew that one day the lads would click and we'd blow a team off the park.
Whilst the result doesn't scream that, the second half performance does. Parkwyddn are a cracking team, albeit with a negative approach at times, to the beautiful game, but we more than matched them and our mindset was spot on.
With all that in mind, it was only fair that the whole team picked up the MOTM Award.
Finally, credit where credit is due. I've spent enough times in these match reports being critical and sometimes berating people. But this time, it's only positive things. Boys, you were all superb, you played as a team, you put the effort and the work in and you got your rewards. If you continue to approach matches with that attitude, teamwork and effort, you'll continue to get good results.
Final Score:
Parkwyddn Predators 3 - 3 Tornadoes.