Today we welcomed Edwalton to Devon park for our fourth league fixture. I have to thank Kerry, Michael’s mum for her help with the cursed respect barrier rope – I’d still be there now trying to untangle the bleedin thing!!! Paul Hampton got the lads warmed up again but he could sense a lack of enthusiasm in the team.
Jay’s dad and older brother kindly ran the line today and for that I’m truly grateful. We had a bench full of five eager subs so the squad strength was strong.
The game started well with Shaqueal carrying on where he left off last week; charging at his opponents and getting in loads of crosses at varying depths into the box (a striker’s dream). I did start to get a bit worried when we didn’t convert several of them but eventually William met one with his head and put us 1-0 up
We quickly gave that lead away when a cross wasn’t dealt with and an unmarked Edwalton striker easily headed an equaliser against the run of play.
William put us back in the lead and a fumbled effort from Ishaan following from yet another Shaqueal cross (3-1). Edwalton pulled another goal back when our defence totally backed away from their striker and admired as he drove in a shot from distance. It was disappointing to come in at half time only 3-2 up after we easily missed another 6 chances to convert into goals.
I found that the half time talk was more negative than positive and I didn’t want that. I guess I concentrated on our failings at the back rather than our positives going forward.
Straight away Ben Lease managed to put a good effort in and score our fourth goal. After 5 minutes of the second half I brought on all but one of our subs in one hit. The dynamics didn’t change but we managed to concede another sloppy goal which we gifted their forward with a back pass straight through on goal to score (4-3).
I managed to bring on our last sub with 8 minutes left to play. The game started to become very tight. Our chances in the second half were slightly less but we did have several chances to score – unfortunately we lacked that clinical finishing needed to put the game to bed.
The final 5 minutes were nerve racking and we were punished when the ball wasn’t cleared, with plenty of time to do so, and Edwalton scored into an empty net.
We had one shot off the line and completely missed in front of goal with seconds to spare and the game ended 4-4.
As much as I like and respect the opposition, they didn’t warrant the draw but they certainly deserved it for never giving up. This for us was a massive lesson that I hope stays in the lads minds......we simply can’t rest on the fact that we created loads of chances. I didn’t like the fact that negatively crept in through some players and blame was being thrown at individuals for their mistakes. It was a far cry from last week’s positive attitudes. The game wasn’t a disaster. More of a disappointment at throwing 2 points way.
Anyway, that’s what it’s all about at this level – learning from situations. We just need to take it out on Long Eaton next week 