Wirral 1st XI v Kings Macclesfield

On a very pleasant day down at the Oval we set our stall out with a good warm up, applying ourselves well to the practices in the hope that they would be used in the game.  Our first five minutes made me feel that was the case.  We moved the ball well around the back and played nice passes into midfield and looked threatening.  The tackle by Frank, dribble and pass into Evans showed our intent.  We were definitely the brighter side creating the first chance that saw the ball fired to the right post for Plimly to deflect into the goal, 1-0.  

What came from then on in was a lack luster half that saw us still create good opportunities but again we were not working back and often leaving big gaps.  This left us exposed and open to giving away corners, which we duly obliged. Kings scored two well worked corners back to the injector, which Crawford knowing now, what to do will be able to deal with next time, but we were 2-1 down!!  We were still playing ok, in parts but lacked dynamism and a cutting edge, too many time running into contact or giving away loose ball.

A good run from Plimly saw his through on goal with two supporting he went to goal where the keeper made a good save.  With players out of position though Kings broke again quickly and scored at our end.  How quickly this game can change, 3-1 down at half time.

As always the basics and willingness to win was emphasised and taking a leaf out of the older heads in the team was required!!  The second half saw better performances and a more open game, good interchanging passes from Harvey, Bush and Steadman saw chances created for Evans, Bush and Gawith.  But as the half progressed we started to attack down the right with Walker who played the ball into Gawith, who laid off short but for Taylor to mop up the pieces.  He then played a good ball into Harvey who squared the ball for Gawith to miss but Riddiough to finish from 2yds. 3-2.

The score remain the same despite good possession from Wirral and further chances, an excellent save from Smith ensured the Cheshire side did not further their lead, but again man of the match performances from Frank, Taylor, returning Lui and Bush in the second half.  There are lots of positives it is just a steep learning curve for some players and against good hockey playing schools we must realise that we have to step up to the plate to win these matches.

Well done guys!

AJM