Last match of the season and I was really looking forward to this one. Lea hall was our very first match in Division 1 which we lost 5-0. And for this to be our last game it would give me a good idea on how we have progressed throughout the season.
Straight from the kick off we went on the attack with the ball being passed around and landing for Thomas W who couldn't`t quite get any power on his shot and the keeper gathers it up. Another half chance came shortly after when Alex had a shot from about half way that Tom Hart chased only to be pushed away from the ball by their strong defence. Lea Hall pushed on and with a shot going well wide we had a goal kick. Alex hit the ball hoping to find Zak but it was intercepted and a free shot at goal went in the top corner 1-0 Lea Hall. We put the pressure back on from the kick off with Alex booting it up field and the Lea Hall defence putting it out for a corner. Alex put the ball in lovely but it was cleared as far as Zak who headed it into the path of Brandon ( The Lea Hall Hit-man ) he ran full length of the pitch and was about to pull the trigger but Iestyn came in with the tackle then Zak just to make sure, Lea Hall had another attack down the left and a great shot on goal but Louis gathered it up nicely. His kick found Alex who had another shot from just inside their half that troubled the keeper.Harry and Thomas came off for a rest (still not looking 100% fit after their illness) to be replaced by Mat and Max. Lea Hall came back strong with the ball falling nice for Brandon who hit the ball with some power but Louis palmed it away, it came straight back at him and he made another great save. The ball was put out for a Lea Hall throw which they took quickly. They took a shot and scored 2-0 Lea Hall. Tom Hart had a run at the defence but they closed the door a bit to hard and we won a free kick. Max steps up but it was a big ask even for him to shoot as it was just inside their half, the ball lands for Alex just on the edge of the box who hit it just wide. Some great defending from Zak ,Iestyn and Alex saw the first half through. Lea Hall was lining Brandon up for a shot from the kick off but Tom Hart was wise to it and intercepted the ball before it reached him. They then had a couple of half chances that were seen off by our solid defence. Harry and Thomas W came back on with some fresh legs and seem to give us all a boost. We then had a couple of half chances but then the ball fell nicely for Brandon who put one in the top corner 3-0 Lea Hall. Straight from the kick off Tom Hart and Harry attacked and the defence looked uneasy. For the next few minutes the ball was in the midfield and Thomas W making some crunching tackles. Marlborough break with Iestyn having a run up the left it falls for Harry then for Tom hart whose shot is just wide. Harry then finds himself in front of goal but his shot is saved. Thomas W takes a big tackle he tries to run it off but it`s just to much he limps off and is replaced by Mat who instantly puts the life back in the midfield again. The majority of play is in Lea Halls half with Mat, Harry and Tom Hart pushing for a goal. Last few minutes and Tom Hart came off and Max went up front. A big clearance from Zak saw the ball bounce over the defenders head. Harry read the play and was on it waiting for the ball to drop (felt like a lifetime) he shoots and the ball beats the keeper and is going in but just to make sure Max wellies it in the back of the net 3-1. Mat was like a bullet from the kick off intercepting the ball and dribbling past two or three to get his shot away but the goalie saves it. Then the final whistle blew on a very entertaining match!!!
3-0 down and we never gave up!!I was talking to the Lea Hall manager and he is amazed how good we are. He watched the match against Rolleston a few weeks ago which told him he needed a strong side out and although he made a lot of changes towards the end he kept his main players on the pitch. He wishes us all the best for next season.
We have some friendlies and tournaments coming up in our own age group so lets take all the experience we have gained into those games and get prepared for next season.
Player of the match went to Louis for an outstanding double save and all round goal keeping over the last few matches.
Thanks to Big Al and Phil for coming down to watch today hope you enjoyed it lads.
Ade
A very happy Marlborough rovers Manager
