Match Report
Match Report - 29 Oct 2011, Old Modernians Football Club 5ths lost to Ealandians III
Report
Old Mods V fell to a second straight loss at the hands (or rather feet) of Ealandians III.
Ealandians took an early lead, and they soon doubled their lead after our defence was beaten all ends up and the ball was easily slotted past Tank in goal. John Jessop then went off with a knee injury after just 20 minutes, which allowed me to take his place in left midfield. Mods then settled down and started to play some proper football, but the absence of top scorer Andy Morris in centre midfield was noticeable. No disrespect to Bryan and Harry who played well in the centre, with Harry determined to injure their number 8, who's name I just can't remember...
There was some good chances at both ends, but our breakthrough came when one of their defenders handled the ball in the box. The penalty was then coolly dispatched into the top corner by Tim Leslie to bring Mods back into the game.
HT: Ealandians III 2-1 Old Mods V
The 2nd half started with pressure from Ealandians, and they soon won a free kick on the edge of Mods' box, thanks to their massive number 16. The 5-man wall were helpless as the ball rasped past them and Tank in goal to make it 3-1. Another free kick soon after, again won by #16, was well saved by Tank to his right and Mods eventually scrambled the ball clear. We were struggling to get a grip on the game and we couldn't really keep hold of the ball, but Chris O'Reilly was chasing and battling for everything upfront.
A 4th goal looked likely for the hosts as they were toying with us for much of the game, and said goal came with about 25 minutes left. A good outswinging corner found the run of their No.8 (Louis, I think is his name), who headed home into the top corner from 12 yards. That goal was closely followed up by the killer 5th goal. Mods once again gave the ball away in the centre of the park, and it was played up to #16, who volleyed it home from 18 yards with his left foot.
It took those 3 second-half goals to wake us up as we started to hold on to the ball and play our passes. Josh Wheater on the right wing was linking up well with Benno at right back and Wheater put in some good crosses, but a finish could not be applied. Some more good play resulted in a goalmouth scramble, but Chris' shot was saved by the opposing 'keeper.
Another chance came when their 'keeper messed-up a clearance and Chris was put through, but the keeper atoned for his error and beat Chris to the ball to boot it clear. The clearance caught our defence off-guard and their #7 made it 6-1.
There was still time for another goal when some good play involving me, Tim and Chris sent the latter through who finished well into the bottom corner.
FT: Ealandians III 6-2 Old Mods V
Overall, it wasn't a bad performance, but they were the better side, thanks to their 'keeper, #7 and their play-maker Louis (a talented young player), and deserved the victory. We kept going to the end and we all played as a team, and we were probably the better team in the last 10 minutes.
No MOTM was awarded this week as everyone played as a team and we didn't let our heads go down.
Next week, based upon results, it looks like the toughest opposition we'll meet in the league this season. Another team performance required, with each player putting in a shift.
By Oliver Lines
Ealandians III 6 - 2 Old Modernians Football Club 5ths