First game back after the festive period and the Reserves were faced with a clash with the league leaders who were coming into the game unbeaten.
First 20 minutes looked as if we were still on the winter break… conceding from a corner where the keeper should’ve claimed the ball saw heads go down. Having 1st teamers stepping in to help the Reserves out may have contributed to this opening period of sluggishness but they soon began to bring their experience and expertise into the game.
Once the midfield trio of Bills, Ata and Junaid grabbed hold of the game we began to dominate proceedings. Some slick play saw us finish off the half the stronger side.
We came out the traps hard and fast to start the second half, putting the opposition under pressure from the off. After 10 minutes we were forced into an early substitution which saw Dani come on for Mehshan… his pace and directness had an immediate effect. We were getting closer to getting a breakthrough but just falling short when it mattered.
The referee had lost control of the game momentarily which saw an opposition player lose his head and his place on the field… a red card saw them reduced to ten men.
The game was ours for the taking as they really didn’t look as though they would add to their lead.
More midfield dominance saw Junaid turn on a sixpence and leave two opposition players wondering what day of the week it was… he then slotted Dani in on goal which led him to be fouled in the box… penalty! Musa put it away with ease at the second time of asking after having his first attempt ruled out for encroachment.
The second goal came from something that couldn’t even be imagined. Having a corner cleared to just outside the box, Ata looped the ball back in but frustratingly it went over everyone… the keeper gave a massive shout and should’ve caught a bread and butter bouncing ball under no pressure but instead, strangely, let it go into the goal… no one could believe it.
A massive win today, showing true grit and determination. Here’s hoping to carry this momentum through for the rest of the season.
MOTM: AK
