Faringdon Town FC Match Report – 26/11/16 –
Fairford Town Res v Faringdon Town –
After a week off Faringdon Town faced high-flying Fairford Reserves. A midweek session at the leisure centre to get touches of the ball was preparation for this game. Town seemed keen, but a quick start from the home side saw a bit of panic from us. Fairford forcing 2 close shots and to face a corner in the first 5 mins. After dealing with this Town settled and tried to get a hold of the ball, but after 10 mins Town were 1-0 down. The tricky winger on the left for Fairford ghosted past 2 or 3 players to get to the byline before crossing to the back post, where the right-sided player had a tap in.
Town showed great character to get on the ball and play for the next 20 mins we dominated, particularly in midfield. Some great tackles from Josh Forth, with good possession between Matt Pill, Will Bazen, Liam Tudway and debutant Ross Packham. Faringdon’s first chance came for Liam Tudway, Town’s midfield won the ball back and gave it to front man Chris Wills, who’s hooked shot found Tuddy in the box but his header went just wide. This gave us confidence and a couple of minutes later a cross from Matt Pill was headed straight at the keeper by Will Bazen. Finally the persistence paid off, when Liam Tudways cross from the right went straight in over the keepers head to make it 1-1.
Town were well on top now and the possession was the best all season. Another great forward pass from Pilly was aimed at a run from Tuddy. It looked like the keeper would collect easily, but he spilled it into Tuddy’s path who passed the ball into the net. Town deservedly 2-1 up and continuing to play well up to half time the players went in at the break full of confidence.
Half-time 1-2
We spoke about the importance of concentration and the desire to go out and continue what we had been doing.
We started the second half well, knowing Fairford would throw everything at us. Unfortunately after 5 mins Town gave away a penalty, a poor decision to go to ground saw the ref point to the spot. The Fairford forward smashed the ball in and the game all square again (2-2). Town continued to compete all over the pitch and were putting a lot of energy into the game, after needing to make a few changes Town created another great chance with substitute Sam Gorham coming on and making a great run before a reverse ball into Christian Wills, he got there just before the keeper, but the keeper stood up well and made a great save.
Literally 2 mins later Fairford went down the other end and got the important next goal. The forward picked the ball up 25 yards out and hit an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner in off the post. A great shot which keeper Justin Yates had no chance with. Fairford 3-2 up. Another chance came for the Don from Pilly, who came inside and ran onto a cross field pass, his left footed effort looked destined for the net but was blocked. Fairford again went down the other end and forced keeper Justin Yates into a good save, unfortunately the ball fell straight to the Fairford midfielder just inside the box, who’s effort again was pretty unstoppable.
Final score: Fairford Res 4 – 2 Faringdon Town
We deserved so much more out of this game with the possession and chances we had. A lot of positives from the lads and we showed some serious signs of progression. Confidence is a wonderful thing and we are starting to really believe in ourselves. Putting passes together really well and looked comfortable.
All credit to the whole squad whose energy levels were top-notch, best of the season. The scoreline flattered Fairford really and they recognised that we deserved more. A really good game to watch at a good ground and pitch, this is what Saturday afternoons are all about.
Man of the Match
The whole squad, special mention to our number 10. Two goal Tuddy!
#comeonthedon
