Euxton Villa 3 Standish 3

3.9.06 - 11am K.O.

It was a grey, windy morning that greeted the players and supporters at the new home ground, Southlands. It was about to get somewhat worse.

First Half

From the kick off Standish exploited both the long ball and a very nervous Villa and it was no surprise that after winning the ball in the corner and after a great shot from a difficult angle Standish took the lead. 4mins, 0-1.

Then it started to rain as well!

Villa did very well to keep their heads up and started to build some great forward moves and slowly but surely started to take control, however they were still getting caught out by the long ball. Smithy came on after 11mins to replace a “dead legged” Jamie. Another long ball punt from Standish resulted in the first corner of the game to them at 13mins. The game seemed evenly balanced throughout the rest of the half with Standish showing determination and speed and Villa showing building confidence in their passing game. Villa won their first corner on 23mins and at the half time whistle they came in the better team albeit still a goal down.

Half Time

The manager was pleased with the effort and asked the Villa to start using the width of the pitch and control the ball then pass in order to defeat the current kick and run pattern of the game. Alex was asked to remain deeper, as a sweeper, to watch for the long ball, this was an excellent decision and probably the biggest factor in changing the game in the second half. The boys ran out confident and inspired.

2^nd Half

A great start to the half showed Villa attacking from the off resulting in two half chances falling to Smithy in the first 4 mins, Standish were under pressure. On the odd occasion they did pick up the ball they kicked long, this half it was Alex who rose to the challenge and cut out the long ball, spraying it to Rob or Tom G and planting it right back into the Standish half. This now brought Jamie G & Danny more into the game and helped Villa move the ball forward passing and moving as they can do so well. After 5 mins Villa were rewarded with the first corner of the half, the ball was well hit and Ryan M planted it into the net after a good run onto it. 1-1.

The next 5mins flowed with Villa pilling on the pressure and now starting to use the wings. Sam & Liam making great runs and superb crosses. Sam won another Villa corner after 10mins.

Max came on as fresh legs to replace a hard working Danny after 11mins. Then, at 14mins, just to bear out the tactical move was instrumental, Alex made another great clearance to the feet of Ryan who passed first time into space allowing Greg to run  onto it and score Villa’s well earned second.2-1.

On 15mins Standish broke free and it was left to Tom G to make an excellent tackle to clear the ball however the decision went against the Villa and Standish were awarded a penalty. It was taken well and left Will no chance. 2-2.

The Villa could well have been deflated by this and whilst being very disappointed they set about Standish with tremendous character, some great tackling & passing resulting in a forward pass to Smithy who planted Villa’s 3^rd and probably most “just” goal of the day.  Standish’s keeper now kept them in the game for the next 5mins saving shots from Greg, Smithy and a volley from Sam and in a sense made the Standish equaliser, following his long clearance the Villa seemed a little flat footed and allowed the ball to run through with out making the great challenges we had seen for the last 20mins and despite a good recovery of attention and some super cover tackles they were just not able to control and clear the ball from the resultant goal mouth scramble. Standish scored after the 7^th shot. 3-3 at 20mins.

Kyle & Jamie came on to give Tom G & Liam a breather.

Villa regained their composure and control and carried on exerting pressure onto Standish, on 23mins Ryan put Jamie through, clear on goal Jamie was taken down in the area with a two footed challenge. Villa claimed for penalty but this wasn’t given.

Again, disappointed but not defeated the Villa came back and on 26mins following some excellent one-two play between Sam & Greg , Greg shot and hit the bar. Villa won another two corners as the game ran out of time.

Full Time 3-3

For a first match in a new league and after going a goal down after 4mins the Villa should be commended on their effort, character and steely determination. This was not a loss and whilst they were easily the better team for the majority of the game sometimes a little luck, good or bad, can change a game and as the season progresses this won’t be the only time the result doesn’t match the effort however what the rain sodden supporters witnessed today was a coming of age, a foundation for the future. Well done Villa.

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