Highworth Town Res v Faringdon Town
Town went into this game hoping to get their season going against local rivals Highworth.
We started well, played some lovely diagonal balls out to our wide men who were looking sharp. 10 minutes in town had a free kick 25 yards out that was struck over. 5 minutes later highworth had a free kick in the middle of the pitch, we switched off and didn’t pick up a runner that was found straight through the middle, a great first touch and finish. Town 1-0 down.
The next period of the game was competitive for both sides, town playing some good football just lacking the final pass. Going into the break Town defended a number of corners.
Halftime
We spoke at the break about being positive and knowing we could get a result in the second half. However 2 minutes into the half we found ourselves 2-0 down. An overload down our left resulted in a low cross that was tapped in. After our chat it was now down to us to get things going. We had a strong 20 minute period where we played our best stuff of the game, a chance after some good possession for Elliot Day going just over.
We then finally put the ball in the net, goalkeeper Lee Ruddle’s superb ball into the run of Adam Sly who coolly slipped it past the on rushing keeper. Town back in it at 2-1. We were on top at this point and again Adam Sly finding himself in another good position saw his shot well saved. With the effort levels high we decided to freshen things up and bought on a couple of subs.
5 minutes after this one of the subs we bought on made a relatively late challenge on a Highworth player, to a number of people’s surprise the ref produced a red card! Potentially should of been a strong word and a yellow but town were now down to 10 men.
This meant tweaking things and perhaps to much so. Highworth made their numerical advantage count and punished us with a strong finish to the game and them scoring another 2 goals.
Final Score: Hightworth Town Res 4 – 1 Faringdon Town
Overall frustrated. First two goals were simple mistakes again, needing to cut those out ASAP. Positives are the way we played at times just need to sustain it rather than 20 min spells. Did really well to get ourselves back in the game at 2-1 and looked on top at that point. Managerial decisions and players decisions didn’t work at the crucial period of the game and potentially cost us. We will learn and learn quickly! Looking forwards to our next game as I know we will get it right and the lads will be desperate to get that first win.
Man of the Match: – Adam Sly. Looked our most dangerous player with his runs, worked hard and produced a cool, relaxed finish for his goal. Unlucky not to get a second
Next Match: 08/09/18 – Home v Wallingford Town
