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16 Dec 2007: Rusthall 1:4 Grasshoppers December 20, 2007

Posted by editor in : Uncategorized , trackback

This match represented our opportunity to set the record straight against Rusthall, who beat us 1-0 in the first game of the season- our only loss in the league so far.  The pitch must have been close to being declared unplayable, with frost making it hard and slippery, but the ref decided that it was playable.

 

 

 

Both teams started cagily, perhaps nervous of the treacherous conditions.  The Grasshoppers starting XI had a slightly unfamiliar look to it, with Tom replacing Max at right back and Harry filling in for Thomas at centre back.  Taylor and Mike came into midfield and our new signing Miles started on the bench.  It took us a while to get comfortable, but once we got used to the different line-up and the uneven bounce, we started to play some decent football, passing it well and moving off the ball.

 

 

 

We scored a well deserved opener, when Connor finished well after being put through by Robert.  Unfortunately, we then decided to gift Rusthall an equalizer, when Danny failed to pick up the ball and gave away a soft corner.  When the ball was crossed, Danny called for the ball, but Mike was not to be denied and scored an unstoppable header.  So at half time, we were back where we started, and the opposition looked as though they were starting to gain in confidence.

 

 

 

Miles replaced the injured

Taylor to make his debut, and did some good work in midfield in the second half.  The game was fairly even, with both teams attacking well and defending poorly.  Harry, who spends his time in midfield spraying 30 yard passes across the field, could barely kick the ball out of defence, and some of the strange bounces off knees, chests, heads and the pitch had Keith tearing his hair out.  But as undecisive as some of the clearances were, the tackling was first class, with all four defenders putting in some bone jarring challenges.

 

 

 

We re-took the lead about 10 minutes into the second half, when Cian gave us a moment of real skill, cleverly dragging the ball back, turning and leaving two defenders for dead.  He threaded the ball through for Oskar, who timed his run perfectly and finished well.  At this stage, I was standing next to their coaches and fans, all of whom applauded Cian’s skill in making the goal.

 

 

 

Robert did much good work in the second half, notably when running the length of the field with the ball tied to his laces- but oddly for Rob, his finishing radar was a bit off this week and he didn’t manage to get onto the scoresheet.

 

 

 

Oskar scored his second of the game, when Connor unselfishly chipped the ball over for an excellent jump and header.  You probably can’t believe what you’ve just read and I can scarcely believe I wrote it, but yes, Connor passed the ball and made a goal for someone else.

 

 

 

Back to normal service a few minutes later, when with several players better placed, Connor refused to pass and scored with an outrageous long range chip over the keeper.  Unable to believe his eyes that Connor had not only passed to a teammate, but had also stayed onside to score twice, Keith replaced him with the now-recovered

Taylor for the last 10 minutes.

 

 

 

Rusthall never gave up and are to be congratulated on the effort they put in, but 4-1 was a fair reflection of the game, despite the fact that they made a few decent chances before the end.  But Danny was equal to anything that came his way, and not much got through the tackling of Harrison, Harry, Nick and especially Tom.

 

 

 

Goals this week for Oskar (2) and Connor (2) and Keith gave the MoM award to Tom, for an excellent performance at right back, which also involved several marauding runs.  CRAP award this week to our debutant Miles, who would have left his boots at

West

Park if someone hadn’t reminded him before we left.  Getting the CRAP award for that just shows that there isn’t much CRAP around this team at the moment.  Can someone please make sure that Miles knows what he has to do before the next game?

 

 

 

Actually Keith was a candidate for the award.  After our game, he was supposed to go and watch the United team second half at Ashurstwood, but never turned up, which understandably disappointed the players.  But he hadn’t forgotten and had to go home because all of his plumbing exploded and his house was being washed away, so we let him off.

 

 

 

With no games now until January, we can look back on what has been an excellent first half of the season.  We sit second in the league behind

East Hoathly , not yet having played either them, or Maresfield who are third.  We have two games in hand over

East Hoathly and if we win those, we will be equal on points.  Their goal difference is 14 better than ours, so we would need to win the two games well to overtake them.  We have a great chance of winning this league if we carry on putting the effort in.

 

 

 

The club is going on tour to

Holland over the late May bank holiday weekend and this team has the opportunity to go.  I’m sure all the boys will be keen to go, although numbers are limited.  It’s a great trip and everyone who goes will have a great time.  We can take up to 15 boys and we will also need some parents to volunteer to come along.  Could you please email/phone/accost either Keith or Tony if you want to go.  Given the limit on numbers, sooner rather than later would be a good idea!

 

 

 

Well done again to all the lads and Merry Christmas everyone.

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