Match Report
Match Report - 03 Sep 2011, Old Modernians Football Club Reserves beat Calverley United
Old Mods Yorkshire Amateur League representation began with an excellent 3-0 victory against Calverley. A strong start (undoubtedly inspired by Abba in the changing rooms) saw Mods challenging for everything in the air and on the ground, passes were crisp and accurate looking to expose the Calverley back line whenever the opportunity came. Mods had a clear purpose when in possession, always making a forward pass when possible rather than taking the easy option of going sideways or back.
The defensive line of Steve Wilkinson, Dave Bergan, Rich Ewen and Dan Bradford adopted a no-nonsense approach, with their own target of keeping a clean sheet evident as they made sure of all headers and clearances, they took no chances. Supported by Matty Lewis, whose kicking was once again superb, it was going to take a scramble from one of Calverley’s long throws to either of their 6ft+ strikers for them to spoil Mods’ clean sheet. Or the ref could wave play on as the back four played a Calverley attacker offside.
As Mods began to take control of the game and exert their quality, Adam Matthews forced an error from a defender wanting too much time on the ball. Through on goal, Matthews chipped the ‘keeper from the edge of the box and the ball nestled in the net. A great finish.
Minutes later, Rich Ewen made it 2-0. As the ball was pin-balled around the 6-Yard box, Ewen saw his opportunity and stuck his knee in the way perfectly to guide the ball into the Carverley net. A (not so) great finish. They all count though, eh Rich?
As Mods now saw clear daylight between themselves and the opposition, the task was surely to get to half-time without conceding. However, another ball into the box was not dealt with by the Calverey ‘keeper or his defence and James ‘ankle tapper’ Coulson bundled home. Another non-contender for goal of the season. 3-0. Mods showed composure and maturity to see out the half without conceding, all 11 players doing their bit to get to half-time without allowing Calverley the opportunity to get back into the game.
The second half was played out without much incident (but did include Matty Lewis slicing a punched clearance against his own post and out for corner). Lack of incident was exactly how Mods wanted it. This was testament to their team ethic and discipline. Captain Adam Matthews, who had shown excellent movement all afternoon and constantly looked dangerous playing off the shoulder of the last defender, had the best chance of the second half but was denied by a strong save from the Calverley keeper. The forward pairing of Matthews and Duffy had the better of the Calverley defence all afternoon, with Duffy’s link-up play being particularly effective at bringing others into the game.
The Mods midfield of Coulson, Bowman, Clemence and March controlled the game well and drove the team on with aggression and quality for the full 90 minutes, supported by Shaduwa and Jon-Paul from the bench who both showed an exemplary attitude when introduced.
A great start for Mods, but it is only September.
Old Modernians Football Club Reserves 3 - 0 Calverley United