After Town’s tough game week before there was no let up with another tough one against Bishops Cleeve.
Town started poorly and struggled to get their foot on the ball. Bishops were sharp and organised and were beating us to every first and second ball. Town were going up the slope and finding it difficult to get out of our own half. 10 mins in and bishops hit a great shot that hit the bar and bounced out off the line. I think Keeper Justin Yates got finger tips to it.
This was how the first half carried on, more shots from Bishops that were either blocked, saved or put wide. Town looked out of sorts and too be honest were so lucky not to go in at half time at least 3-0 down! We created a couple of half chances but nothing to get excited about.
At halftime we made changes and discussed how we were being given a chance, we came out second half and played better football straight away, 4-5 passes and keeping possession. Town had picked up a couple of bookings first half through poor tackles and discipline looked poor compared to the whole of the previous games. 10 mins in to second half a tactical change was made to stop us going down to ten men. 5 mins later we did go down to ten men!
A poor decision, to make a poor tackle cost us and Robbie Harrington saw red. With 30 mins to go and the fact we had battled hard and were lucky not to be behind this was always then going to make things even harder. Town stuck to their guns and dug deep. Lots of blocks and saves from towns defence, midfield and goalkeeper was just about keeping them in the game.
A couple of half chances came from us on the break, one in particular falling for Christian Wills who should of scored with a diving header at the back post. Great chance to pinch it! With ten mins left it really was back to the wall job with corners come in thick and fast and free kicks around the box, we held on strong somehow and saw the game out!
For me this was a huge point considering being down to ten men for the last 30 mins, the lads showed unbelievable desire and determination to shut the opposition out. Blocks from every player aswell as huge saves from our keeper were a constant throughout.
The management gambled with decisions and perhaps got them wrong but made changes where necessary and got a great reaction from the squad. One to forget in terms of performance but a massive point against a strong side, superb effort gents showing great character. Roll on next week where we can hopefully get back to playing our football with the identity we have developed all season.
Final Score: Faringdon Town 0-0 Bishops Cleeve Dev’
Man of Match: George Hegg, superb organising and leadership, wore his heart on his sleeve and gave his team mates 110%. Great job.
Supporters Man of Match: Adam Sly, played a number of positions over the course of the match and didn’t stop running. Worked hard and showed quality.
Next Fixture: Highworth Town Res – away
