HIGHFIELD GRANGE 6 - 0 EUXTON VILLA
PLAYERS; MATTHEW BOYLE, MIKEY
MADDISON(CAPTAIN), CONNOR LEWIS, NATHAN SOUTHERN,
SAM HOLROYD, LIAM CURRAN, ADAM HAYWARD, BRENDAN
GOULDEN,SAMUEL FENN.
The
day had finally arrived, the long awaited first game
of the season, and with us being a new team playing
in a new league it did feel somewhat like we were
venturing into the unknown, but determined to prove
our worth we arrived at our away venue, Alexander
Park ready for action.
New
manager Lee, after he had calmly extracted some boys
from the swings, took a moment to gather the troops
before the game for the important pre-match talk,
and once the formalities were over, signing match
sheets and swapping mug shots, then the fun could
begin!
Euxton started the game quite well, with promise of
a good game ahead but it some became apparent that
Highfield were no pushover and we were going to have
to try harder to get anything out of the game. It
was good to see captain Mikey leading the way,
playing very strong in defence covering acres of the
pitch pushing to get the ball forward to our
awaiting strike force, and in the next breath
backpedalling like the wind to cover the exposed
goal area His new sidekick, Connor also showing
signs of being a good strong defender was paramount
in keeping the scoreline 0-0 in the opening minutes.
But
as the game pressed on, our weaknesses began to show
and it wasn't long before the strength of Highfield
Grange overcame us and we were 1-0 down. Never mind,
still all to play for, but it seemed unbelievable
that just moments later Highfield were awarded a
free kick after a handball claim and we were
completely unprepared for what was about to happen,
and the ball ended up in the back of the net 2-0.
The first half continued with Euxton not really
getting much of the ball and frustration was
beginning to show, we were all checking our watches
hoping to hear the half time whistle, but no we
faced more disappointment and conceded again. A
final surge by the lads found Adam up in front of
goal, but after having his first shot saved, the
referee blew the whistle so we didn't even get the
benefit of the rebound, and we ended the first half
3-0 down.
It
was up to Lee during his team talk to rouse the
boy's spirits and get them back on track but it was
proving difficult as they seemed a little
shell-shocked at the events so far, but we went into
the second half with a little determination to try
and get something out of the game.
But
immediately Highfield Grange were on the attack and
they were not afraid to use the ball, and every
opportunity they got, was a chance for another goal.
It was at this point that our inexperience was
becoming more apparent as we gave the ball away
too easily. In all situations from goal kicks
to centre kicks, the minute we had the ball we were
basically handing it over on a plate to them and it
was no surprise that we soon found ourselves 4-0
down. Just when you thought things couldn't get any
worse, the heavens opened and the rains came down,
washing away every last ounce of determination and
enthusiasm the boys had left for this game, we had
been outplayed by our opponents today and when yet
another goal had gone in, we can surely be forgiven
for yearning for the final whistle, but the final
minutes of the game showed some promise as
we eventually managed to string a few passes
together and create more chances than we had seen
all game, so it seemed a little unjust that after a
last minute effort from everybody, we finished the
match losing 6-0.
So we
lost our first game, but things can only get better,
I'm sure and I hope the boys have learned a lot from
this game and will not be too downhearted. They
should look at the positives and look at the
areas they can improve to build a stronger team,
they are a great group of lads who with a bit of
encouragement and luck on their side are destined to
succeed. Can't wait for next week!
Man Of The Match- Mikey Maddison.
