THE LINEUP:
GK: Cameron
RB: Adam
CB: Ethan
CB: Jack
LB: Ben H
RM: Sam
CM: Marshall
CM: Ben D
LM: Owen
CF: Jon
ST: Alfie
Subs:
Calum
Lewis
THE OPPOSITION:
Beighton Magpies are a okay side in the division but we felt that this was a winnable match. An aim with these two matches, we aimed for a win in at least one of these fixtures. Beighton have a good side but lack a player with real quality.
THE MATCH:
The match took 10 minutes to get into its grove, but Beighton had the first clear cut chance of the match as a deflected shot fell to the striker but his weak effort was cleared off the line by Jack. EMU's then moved down the other end and had a decent strike at goal from Owen, which was well saved in the 17th minute. In the 22nd minute, Beighton moved forward with purpose and had a strike at goal which took a deflection and looped into the bar and was eventually cleared. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute for EMU's when Ben H whipped a corner into the back post, but the ball cannoned off a defenders head, into the goal. With 5 minutes left of the half, I was forced to make an excellent one on one save, after carrying on with a damaged Achilles.
HALFTIME: EMU's 1-0 BEIGHTON MAGPIES
The second half was incredibly tight and no side managed to create any chances worth talking about, until the 64th minute, when Ben D did incredibly well in the middle to take on a couple of players a play a 40 yard through ball to Owen who took it round the keep and slotted it away. Unfortunately for EMU's, we couldn't hold on for the clean sheet, as the ref gave Beighton a soft free kick 20 yards out, and the player lifted the ball up and around the ball and found the top left corner in style with 10 minutes left.
FULLTIME: EMU's 2-1 BEIGHTON MAGPIES
PLAYER RATINGS:
Cameron - thought I had a good game, made a couple of important saves, and even carried on through the pain. 9/10
Adam - had a decent game, did everything he needed to do. 8/10
Ethan - player well, like Adam, did what he needed to do. 8/10
Jack - once again, he had a great game, made a very good goal line clearance, but gave away the free kick for their goal. 8/10
Ben H - was very solid throughout and his delivery was excellent. 8/10
Sam - worked hard but didn't see much of the ball. 6/10
Ben D - was unbelievable in the midfield, rarely made a mistake, produced a great assist. 9/10
Marshall - like Ben D had a fantastic game in the midfield, if he didn't get injured in the second half, I reckon we wouldn't have conceded. 9/10
Owen - played fairly well on the wing but struggled at times to get on the ball, scored a fantastic goal though. 8/10
Jon - ran his socks off but didn't get loads of the ball. 7/10
Alfie - like Jon, worked hard but didn't get on the ball much. 7/10
Calum - struggled with the physicality of the game but worked hard. 7/10
Lewis - like Calum seemed to struggle throughout, should've scored a goal as well. 6/10
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
Very happy that we got the win, disappointed we couldn't get the clean sheet but the three points were in the bag at that point and I think I played pretty well, made plenty of important saves, but this one is for my teammates, they played well and deserved the victory. We go into the last game high on confidence and I can't wait to be involved in what will probably be my last ever Sunday league game.
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
Monday, 20 March 2017
Vs Wickersley (LEAGUE) 19/03/17
LINEUP:
GK: Cameron
CB: Ethan
CB: Jack
CB: Adam
RM: Sam
CM: Owen
CM: Ben
LM: Kyle
ST: Alfie
(What a surprise, only nine players)
THE OPPOSITION:
Having played recently away from home, and being unlucky to only get a draw, we should've been full of confidence that we could get at least a point. But due to the lack of players, we knew we were in for a long morning.
THE MATCH:
It was a slow start to the game with Wickersley not being able to break us down in the final third, despite having a two man advantage. I was only forced to make a couple of comfortable saves before they grabbed an opener in the 32nd minute. The goal came from no where as EMU's cleared a corner, but the ball came to the winger, who whipped an effort across goal leaving me with no chance right into the corner. They grabbed a second just before halftime curtesy of a backheal playing the ball through to the striker who slotted the ball home.
HALFTIME SCORE: EMU's 0-2 Wickersley
Wickersley started brightly in the second half and again forced me into making a few saves. But they managed to seal the game on the 55 minute after the striker went one on one with me, I managed to save the first effort, but the ball rebound back into his path for him to grab the third. The fourth followed soon after 5 minutes later, as a ball was played across the box for the player to slide the ball in from 10 yards. EMU's managed to create a chance to score when Kyle went in one on one but could only force a tame save. The scoring was complete on the 70 minute when (what appeared to be an offside player) Wickersley ran onto a through ball and placed it into the corner. Both me and the EMU's defence managed to keep the score down but the damage had already been done.
FULLTIME SCORE: EMU's 0-5 Wickersley
PLAYER RATINGS:
Cameron - thought I had one of my better games and made a lot of saves. 9/10
Ethan - defended well but was occasionally ball watching. 7/10
Jack - another great performance from Jack, by far the best defender on the pitch. 9/10
Adam - had his best game in an EMU's shirt and was very solid. 8/10
Sam - struggled to get any of the ball and had no effect on the match. 5/10
Owen - had too much to do in the middle and struggled throughout. 6/10
Ben - had a very good game and was great defensively. 8/10
Kyle - like Sam had a poor game, when he got on the ball he was poor and probably should've scored. 5/10
Alfie - Worked very hard first half but looked incredibly tired in the second half. 6/10
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
Think I covered most of it above but stand out performers today were definitely Ben and Adam, really stepped up for the team. Jack is my personal man of the match because I'd never give it to myself, but I reckon you could argue a strong case for the both of us. If we would've had 11 players I reckon we could've got a draw but unfortunately, we couldn't compete with nine players.
Tuesday, 14 March 2017
Vs Stocksbridge Park Steels (LEAGUE) 12/03/17
THE LINEUP:
GK: Cameron
RB: Adam
CB: Jack
CB: Casey
LB: Matt
RM: Lewis
CM: Jon
CM: Alex
LM: Sam
CF: Owen
ST: Alfie
(No Substitutes)
THE OPPOSITION:
Stocksbridge were the first side that I played against for EMU's, and they have some good quality players but don't pose much height or strength. They sit comfortably in mid-table and play on a nice pitch on top of a very large hill.
THE MATCH:
From the off you could see which side we're going to dominate this match and unfortunately for us, that team was Stocksbridge. They kept a lot of the ball but didn't really do that much with it. Even from set pieces, they didn't pose much threat, but they were clearly in control of the game. Their best chance came from an overhead kick which I got down well to save but couldn't keep hold of, thus putting the ball on a plate for the striker to tap home but somehow, from 2 yards, he put it wide of the empty goal. Soon after Stocksbridge came close again, this time with a left footed half volley from the left side of the box 20 yards out, across the goal, and flicking the outside of the post. But just a minute before halftime, Stocksbridge got their goal from EMU's failing to clear a corner, which dropped on the half volley from the centre of the pitch 18 yards out, and flew into the top right corner, despite myself getting half a hand to the ball.
HALFTIME SCORE: STOCKSBRIDGE 1-0 EMU's
The second half started the same as the first, as Stocksbridge dominated the ball but didn't create a single chance on goal. And neither did EMU's until the last 15 minutes where they grew in confidence and managed to get a couple of free kicks in good areas, and corners. If the delivery had been better, I would've had no doubts that they would've grabbed a goal. But with 88 minutes on the clock, EMU's were put the sword and after I denied the first effort, the rebound rebounded off the leg off the striker into the six yard area and he had a simple tap in.
FULLTIME SCORE: STOCKSBRIDGE 2-0 EMU's
PLAYER RATINGS:
Cameron - played well, was very unlucky with both goals and kept the score down a bit 8/10.
Adam - struggled again and didn't get involved in the game 6/10.
Jack - had another great game but was outshone by his centre back partner 8/10.
Casey - played very well and deservedly the man of the match 9/10.
Matt - really struggled in the game 5/10.
Lewis - did enough but struggle as he had a lack of strength 6/10.
Jon - for once, didn't have a great game, can't remember him making an impact 6/10.
Alex - had decent spells but his delivery let him down 7/10.
Sam - very similar to Lewis 6/10.
Owen - tried to get onto the ball a lot, didn't stand much of a chance 7/10.
Alfie - worked hard but did also struggle 7/10.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
Stocksbridge really showed their quality and didn't really give us a chance until the last 20 minutes. We defended well but I think the score line flattered us a little and they could've easily had more than two.
Sunday, 26 February 2017
Vs Ecclesall (LEAGUE) 26/02/17
THE LINUP:
GK: Cameron
RB: Adam
CB: Jack
CB: Ethan
LB: Ben
RM: Jon
CM: Owen
CM: Alex
LM: Sam
ST: Alfie
(Yes we started the game with 10 players)
THE OPPOSITION:
Ecclesall are a solid side for the league that like to play a short passing style from the goalkeeper, through the defence, into midfield, and finally to the strikers. Never mind us only having 10 players, they were favourites for the game as they are doing better than us in the league.
THE MATCH:
The match started with EMU's on the back foot, which for 90% of the match, seemed to be the case. But despite all of Ecclesall's possession, their first goal of the game came as they counter attacked down the right from a EMU's corner. This allowed the striker to execute a fantastic volley over myself into the back of the net in the 20th minute. But EMU's responded well and were rewarded for their hard work, as Ben swung in a low, in-swinging corner which somehow went through everyone without a touch, into the goal on the stroke of 30 minutes. This was a wake up call for Ecclesall and responded with the help of good fortune on the 36 minute, where the ball was slid through the EMU's defence, and the striker took aim and slid it past the onrushing keeper from 10 yards. Ecclesall doubled their advantage 4 minutes before the break as a good move on the edge of the box allowed the Ecclesall midfielder to find space to poke the ball into the corner from 16 yards.
HALFTIME SCORE: ECCLESALL 3-1 EMU's
Things went from bad to worse for EMU's as Owen had to come off injured at halftime, feeling pain in his chest. But somehow they hung on due to the heroics of the keeper. And the efforts of all the players were soon rewarded on the 63rd minute when a cross to the back post found Jack in acres of space and took the chance with a cool finish on the half volley. And for a while, EMU's believed that they could score a third, but they will live to rue missed chances, and as legs started to tire, Ecclesall pretty much killed off the game with and excellent, whipped effort from 20 yards which cannoned off the post and in, with 17 minutes left to play. And on the 78th minute the victory was sealed as the extra men paid off and the Ecclesall attacker found space in the box, and placed his effort into the top corner. But that didn't conclude the scoring as with 5 minutes of play left, Ecclesall got the sixth in similar fashion to the third goal.
FULLTIME SCORE: ECCLESALL 6-2 EMU's
HALFTIME SCORE: ECCLESALL 3-1 EMU's
Things went from bad to worse for EMU's as Owen had to come off injured at halftime, feeling pain in his chest. But somehow they hung on due to the heroics of the keeper. And the efforts of all the players were soon rewarded on the 63rd minute when a cross to the back post found Jack in acres of space and took the chance with a cool finish on the half volley. And for a while, EMU's believed that they could score a third, but they will live to rue missed chances, and as legs started to tire, Ecclesall pretty much killed off the game with and excellent, whipped effort from 20 yards which cannoned off the post and in, with 17 minutes left to play. And on the 78th minute the victory was sealed as the extra men paid off and the Ecclesall attacker found space in the box, and placed his effort into the top corner. But that didn't conclude the scoring as with 5 minutes of play left, Ecclesall got the sixth in similar fashion to the third goal.
FULLTIME SCORE: ECCLESALL 6-2 EMU's
PLAYER RATINGS:
Me - thought I had a good game, started off shaky, but in the second half kept the score down making a couple of excellent saves 8/10
Adam - seems to struggle a lot in the first half of games, and this trend continued but grew into the match 6/10
Jack - a good leader on the pitch and led by example, never gave in and deserved his goal 9/10.
Ben - was sloppy at times but for the majority, was very good in all departments 8/10.
Jon - always worked hard and was up and down the pitch, defending and attacking 8/10.
Owen - Unfortunately got injured and only played the first half, but he was excellent in the first half, and the opposition couldn't handle him 9/10.
Alex - slowly starting to get back to his best and started a lot of our moves, kept possession well 8/10
Sam - had one of his better games, mainly in the first half he worked his socks off for the team and was unlucky not to score a free kick 8/10.
Alfie - didn't get any good service as the game went on, but worked hard for the team 7/10
Man of the Match: Jack
Adam - seems to struggle a lot in the first half of games, and this trend continued but grew into the match 6/10
Jack - a good leader on the pitch and led by example, never gave in and deserved his goal 9/10.
Ben - was sloppy at times but for the majority, was very good in all departments 8/10.
Jon - always worked hard and was up and down the pitch, defending and attacking 8/10.
Owen - Unfortunately got injured and only played the first half, but he was excellent in the first half, and the opposition couldn't handle him 9/10.
Alex - slowly starting to get back to his best and started a lot of our moves, kept possession well 8/10
Sam - had one of his better games, mainly in the first half he worked his socks off for the team and was unlucky not to score a free kick 8/10.
Alfie - didn't get any good service as the game went on, but worked hard for the team 7/10
Man of the Match: Jack
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
Not much to stay apart from that I really enjoyed the game despite us losing. Was a great experience to play on a 3G pitch and I was happy with the sides performance and my individual performance. I reckon if we had the same amount of players as them, we would've won that match. But the result I think is a fair one, maybe 4-2 or 5-2 would've been a better representation of the game, but overall, no complaints.
Sunday, 5 February 2017
Vs Killamarsh (CUP) 05/02/17
THE LINEUP:
GK: Cameron
RB: Adam
CB: Ben D
CB: Ethan
LB: Nathan
RM: Sam K
CM: Jon
CM: Alex
LM: Sam H
CF: Owen
ST: Alfie
THE OPPOSITION:
Despite being a division lower than EMU's, Killamarsh are a solid side that are very organised and have a couple of good individual players in the attacking areas. Apart from that they were an unknown quantity to us.
THE MATCH:
Despite decent weather, the pitch was cutting up all over the place which made the ball bobble and the surface slippery. It was a lively start as within the first minute of the match EMU's took a one nil lead as Owen blocked the defenders clearance, then ran onto the deflection and slotted to ball passed the goalkeeper at his near post. But EMU's fast start was cut short as they failed to clear the ball and the Killamarsh striker looped the ball right into the top left corner of the goal just a couple of minutes later. And Killamarsh's comeback was complete 10 minutes in as again, EMU's failed to clear a corner and the ball was struck hard into the bottom right corner giving myself no chance again. After that there wasn't really any chances to report on but Killamarsh were clear on top and EMU's looked like they didn't care.
HALFTIME SCORE: KILLAMARSH 2-1 EMU's
The second half started pretty much the same way the first half ended, with EMU's looking half asleep and Killamarsh having the majority of the ball. And in all truth there wasn't any highlights at all until the last 10 minutes as EMU's struggled to hold on. But finally we had a goal but not the score line that you would've expected...Somehow Alfie managed to fire the ball in from close range and give EMU's a moment of hope with an equaliser. But once again, EMU's failed to switch on and Killamarsh put the final nail in the coffin with a superb strike into the top right corner. An unstoppable effort with just 5 minutes left, but two controversial decisions made by the referee after the goal didn't do EMU's any favours. The first came from my long ball forward which was flicked on into the path of Owen who put the ball into the net, but the ref deemed Owen to be offside, a close call for Killamarsh. The second incident came when the Jon was slipped through one on one and managed to get a tame shot away but as he struck the ball he was pushed by one defender and tackled to the ground by two others. But the ref deemed it a fair tackle and soon after the game finish, which increased to hostility between the two sides and the referee.
FULLTIME SCORE: KILLAMARSH 3-2 EMU's
PLAYER RATINGS:
Cameron: had a decent game but didn't really have a great deal to do and couldn't do anything about the goals. My distribution was good and did well to carry on with an injury. 7/10
Adam: was poor throughout the game, offered nothing to the side and didn't show any desire. 4/10
Ben D: was one of the best players on the pitch, a good leader, defender and had great footwork. 9/10
Ethan: played well but struggled as the team underperformed. 7/10
Nathan: didn't really seem to have much to do but still didn't really perform. 6/10
Sam K: again, didn't seem to get involved, looked like he couldn't care less about the game. 5/10
Jon: had a decent game, but by his standards he was well off the pace. 7/10
Alex: similar to Jon, played okay but by his standards, was poor. 6/10
Sam H: probably his worst game in a EMU's shirt, didn't get on the ball much and when he douche gave it away to the opposition. 3/10
Owen: scored a good goal but seemed to struggle with an injury throughout. 7/10
Alfie: not his best game but did at least try to effect the match and did grab a goal. 8/10
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
This is a hard game for me not to slate for many reasons, whether it's the poor performance, the awful refereeing or the shocking pitch. But I'll try to keep it short and and sweet, but firstly the goals we conceded were pretty much unsavable, but poor defensively as we had plenty of chances to clear the ball. The pitch was barely playable for reasons I have explained. And how the ref failed to give us a penalty in that game was ridiculous, and don't even mention the goal that never was! As you may be able to tell, I'm very annoyed at the performance and the result. But the league is more important and we need to regroup and pull ourselves together.
GK: Cameron
RB: Adam
CB: Ben D
CB: Ethan
LB: Nathan
RM: Sam K
CM: Jon
CM: Alex
LM: Sam H
CF: Owen
ST: Alfie
THE OPPOSITION:
Despite being a division lower than EMU's, Killamarsh are a solid side that are very organised and have a couple of good individual players in the attacking areas. Apart from that they were an unknown quantity to us.
THE MATCH:
Despite decent weather, the pitch was cutting up all over the place which made the ball bobble and the surface slippery. It was a lively start as within the first minute of the match EMU's took a one nil lead as Owen blocked the defenders clearance, then ran onto the deflection and slotted to ball passed the goalkeeper at his near post. But EMU's fast start was cut short as they failed to clear the ball and the Killamarsh striker looped the ball right into the top left corner of the goal just a couple of minutes later. And Killamarsh's comeback was complete 10 minutes in as again, EMU's failed to clear a corner and the ball was struck hard into the bottom right corner giving myself no chance again. After that there wasn't really any chances to report on but Killamarsh were clear on top and EMU's looked like they didn't care.
HALFTIME SCORE: KILLAMARSH 2-1 EMU's
The second half started pretty much the same way the first half ended, with EMU's looking half asleep and Killamarsh having the majority of the ball. And in all truth there wasn't any highlights at all until the last 10 minutes as EMU's struggled to hold on. But finally we had a goal but not the score line that you would've expected...Somehow Alfie managed to fire the ball in from close range and give EMU's a moment of hope with an equaliser. But once again, EMU's failed to switch on and Killamarsh put the final nail in the coffin with a superb strike into the top right corner. An unstoppable effort with just 5 minutes left, but two controversial decisions made by the referee after the goal didn't do EMU's any favours. The first came from my long ball forward which was flicked on into the path of Owen who put the ball into the net, but the ref deemed Owen to be offside, a close call for Killamarsh. The second incident came when the Jon was slipped through one on one and managed to get a tame shot away but as he struck the ball he was pushed by one defender and tackled to the ground by two others. But the ref deemed it a fair tackle and soon after the game finish, which increased to hostility between the two sides and the referee.
FULLTIME SCORE: KILLAMARSH 3-2 EMU's
PLAYER RATINGS:
Cameron: had a decent game but didn't really have a great deal to do and couldn't do anything about the goals. My distribution was good and did well to carry on with an injury. 7/10
Adam: was poor throughout the game, offered nothing to the side and didn't show any desire. 4/10
Ben D: was one of the best players on the pitch, a good leader, defender and had great footwork. 9/10
Ethan: played well but struggled as the team underperformed. 7/10
Nathan: didn't really seem to have much to do but still didn't really perform. 6/10
Sam K: again, didn't seem to get involved, looked like he couldn't care less about the game. 5/10
Jon: had a decent game, but by his standards he was well off the pace. 7/10
Alex: similar to Jon, played okay but by his standards, was poor. 6/10
Sam H: probably his worst game in a EMU's shirt, didn't get on the ball much and when he douche gave it away to the opposition. 3/10
Owen: scored a good goal but seemed to struggle with an injury throughout. 7/10
Alfie: not his best game but did at least try to effect the match and did grab a goal. 8/10
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
This is a hard game for me not to slate for many reasons, whether it's the poor performance, the awful refereeing or the shocking pitch. But I'll try to keep it short and and sweet, but firstly the goals we conceded were pretty much unsavable, but poor defensively as we had plenty of chances to clear the ball. The pitch was barely playable for reasons I have explained. And how the ref failed to give us a penalty in that game was ridiculous, and don't even mention the goal that never was! As you may be able to tell, I'm very annoyed at the performance and the result. But the league is more important and we need to regroup and pull ourselves together.
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Vs Wickersley (LEAGUE) 29/01/17
THE LINEUP:
GK: Cameron (myself)
RB: Adam
CB: Jack
CB: Ethan
LB: Nathan
RM: Sam
CM: Alex
CM: Ben D
LM: Ben H
CF: Owen
ST: Alfie
SUB: Jon
THE OPPOSITION:
After a bit of a break for EMU's, it was time for a tough away test against Wickersley. Wickersley are in mid table and don't really have anything to play for, despite there being a lot of games still to play. They are a decent footballing side with some good individual players that could strike a ball well. But despite this we still felt that this was a winnable game.
THE MATCH:
The game was delayed by around 10 minutes due to heavy fog but soon enough the fog cleared and the game started. But in all trueness, the game started of drab and slow with Wickersley having all the possession but not really doing anything with it. In fact it was EMU's who had the better chances to score, mainly from corners and the occasional cross. But they were dealt with well but the goalkeeper and the defence. In the end Wickersley only managed one shot on target in the first half which I dealt with comfortably.
HALFTIME SCORE: Wickersley 0-0 EMU's
The second half was incredibly similar to what had just happened 45 minutes prior. It started where the game left off, with Wickersley having plenty of the ball but EMU's looked dangerous on the counter attack. The only difference was that I was forced into action a few times saving a one on one, a low header in the six yard box and a couple of long range efforts. But on the 65th minute the deadlock was broken, and not by Wickersley...Owen grabbed EMU's a shock lead, latching on from a Ben H corner; which had been deadly all day. It was a matter of holding on for EMU's and they survived for nearly 25 minutes, when a free kick came agonisingly close to levelling the game up. But with pretty much the last kick off the game, the ball broke free at the edge of the area and The Wickersley midfielder struck a volley form 25 yards out. As he struck the ball it deflected off the knee of Ben D, this looped the ball over myself and clip the underside of the bar and into th the back of the net. Late heartbreak for EMU's but the goal was coming and EMU's will have no complaints about the result or performance.
FULLTIME SCORE: Wickersley 1-1 EMU's
Player Ratings:
Cameron - Had a very good game, made save after save and commanded his box and got given the man of the match award by the manager (10/10).
Adam - Started off poor but really grew into the game and played well in the second half (7/10).
Jack - Was the leader of the team and had a great game, maybe should have had a penalty in the second half (9/10).
Ethan - Also had a good game, didn't really put a foot wrong (8/10).
Nathan - Like the rest of the defence, he played well and didn't really do anything wrong (8/10).
Sam - Struggled with the physicality of the match and didn't really offer anything going forward or tracking back (5/10).
Alex - Seemed lost in the game at times but did help link up EMU's attacking moves (7/10).
Ben D - Played well for the most part and was unlucky to deflect the ball into the back of the EMU's goal for the Wickersley equaliser (7/10).
Ben H - Was one of the best players on the pitch, his delivery was very accurate and defended very well (9/10).
Owen - struggled up front in the first half but grabbed an important goal and defended well at the end (8/10).
Alfie - As always did a lot of running but didn't find himself in a scoring position (6/10).
On a Personal Note:
Very disappointed to lose the clean sheet and two points in the final few minutes of the game but I would've taken the point before the game if you'd have asked me. I was happy with my performance and the goal I conceded was pretty much unsavable so I'm very pleased to be picked as the man of the match.
GK: Cameron (myself)
RB: Adam
CB: Jack
CB: Ethan
LB: Nathan
RM: Sam
CM: Alex
CM: Ben D
LM: Ben H
CF: Owen
ST: Alfie
SUB: Jon
THE OPPOSITION:
After a bit of a break for EMU's, it was time for a tough away test against Wickersley. Wickersley are in mid table and don't really have anything to play for, despite there being a lot of games still to play. They are a decent footballing side with some good individual players that could strike a ball well. But despite this we still felt that this was a winnable game.
THE MATCH:
The game was delayed by around 10 minutes due to heavy fog but soon enough the fog cleared and the game started. But in all trueness, the game started of drab and slow with Wickersley having all the possession but not really doing anything with it. In fact it was EMU's who had the better chances to score, mainly from corners and the occasional cross. But they were dealt with well but the goalkeeper and the defence. In the end Wickersley only managed one shot on target in the first half which I dealt with comfortably.
HALFTIME SCORE: Wickersley 0-0 EMU's
The second half was incredibly similar to what had just happened 45 minutes prior. It started where the game left off, with Wickersley having plenty of the ball but EMU's looked dangerous on the counter attack. The only difference was that I was forced into action a few times saving a one on one, a low header in the six yard box and a couple of long range efforts. But on the 65th minute the deadlock was broken, and not by Wickersley...Owen grabbed EMU's a shock lead, latching on from a Ben H corner; which had been deadly all day. It was a matter of holding on for EMU's and they survived for nearly 25 minutes, when a free kick came agonisingly close to levelling the game up. But with pretty much the last kick off the game, the ball broke free at the edge of the area and The Wickersley midfielder struck a volley form 25 yards out. As he struck the ball it deflected off the knee of Ben D, this looped the ball over myself and clip the underside of the bar and into th the back of the net. Late heartbreak for EMU's but the goal was coming and EMU's will have no complaints about the result or performance.
FULLTIME SCORE: Wickersley 1-1 EMU's
Player Ratings:
Cameron - Had a very good game, made save after save and commanded his box and got given the man of the match award by the manager (10/10).
Adam - Started off poor but really grew into the game and played well in the second half (7/10).
Jack - Was the leader of the team and had a great game, maybe should have had a penalty in the second half (9/10).
Ethan - Also had a good game, didn't really put a foot wrong (8/10).
Nathan - Like the rest of the defence, he played well and didn't really do anything wrong (8/10).
Sam - Struggled with the physicality of the match and didn't really offer anything going forward or tracking back (5/10).
Alex - Seemed lost in the game at times but did help link up EMU's attacking moves (7/10).
Ben D - Played well for the most part and was unlucky to deflect the ball into the back of the EMU's goal for the Wickersley equaliser (7/10).
Ben H - Was one of the best players on the pitch, his delivery was very accurate and defended very well (9/10).
Owen - struggled up front in the first half but grabbed an important goal and defended well at the end (8/10).
Alfie - As always did a lot of running but didn't find himself in a scoring position (6/10).
On a Personal Note:
Very disappointed to lose the clean sheet and two points in the final few minutes of the game but I would've taken the point before the game if you'd have asked me. I was happy with my performance and the goal I conceded was pretty much unsavable so I'm very pleased to be picked as the man of the match.
Sunday, 8 January 2017
Vs Sheffield Spartans (CUP) 08/01/17
THE LINEUP:
Gk- Cameron
Rb - Adam
Cb - Ethan
Cb - Harry
Lb - Ben
Rm - Owen
Cm - Alex
Lm - Sam
St - Alfie
(Yes we only had 9 players against 11)
THE OPPOSITION:
Sheffield Spartans are a side I knew a great deal about after facing them a number of times in the league when I used to play for Manton Athletic. They are a big physical side with good ariel ability but not as great with the ball at there feet. Despite them being 3 divisions below us we knew that we were gonna struggle with only nine players.
THE MATCH:
On the sound of the whistle we were straight in Sheffield Spartans faces and within a minute we were one nil up. A loose ball on the left corner of the 18 yard box allowed Alfie to strike a clean half volley across the goalkeeper into the top right corner of the goal. Despite the early setback, Spartans came forward on a number of occasions, only troubling myself once or twice with the occasional shot at goal. But in the end the pressure was too much for EMU's and on the fifteenth mark a low curling shot found its way into the corner leaving me rooted to the spot. But just like Spartans earlier on, we also replied strongly and got back into the lead on the 23rd minute with Owen making the most of a goal mouth scramble after a corner, by poking the ball in from close range. After this, the game stretched and both sides had chances, with both keepers being called into action. But five minutes before half time, Alfie made sure that EMU's would be leading going into the break, after missing two or three clear cut chances, he finally tucked away his second of the game.
HALFTIME SCORE: EMU's 3-1 Spartans
The second half began in a similar way to the end of the first half, fast and hard fought, with both sides tiring. A few nervy moments at the back for EMU's aloud Spartans to have a few decent attempts at goal but none really testing me. Fifteen minutes after halftime EMU's bagged a fourth and Alfie was in the right place to finish, and complete his hat trick. After the longest thirty minutes of the EMU's players lives, Spartans were awarded a controversial penalty after a scramble on the penalty spot led to Adam bring down the Spartans striker. But justice prevailed and I managed to save the penalty but only pushing it into the path of the on rushing attackers, but the defence stood strong and cleared the ball for a corner. This was the last kick of the game which both sides tried there hardest to win, yet it was a great game if you're a fan of goalkeepers.
FULLTIME SCORE: EMU's 4-1 Spartans
Player Ratings:
Cameron - had a very solid game in goal and saving a penalty to top it off, barely put a foot wrong. 9/10
Adam - also had a good game, struggled at the start with a tricky winger but in the second half, he showed his quality. 7/10
Ethan - similar to Adam, had a slow start but made five or six key interceptions including a goal line clearance. 8/10
Harry - started off as a defensive midfielder and looked very organised, when he moved into centre back he stayed solid and got stuck in. 8/10
Ben - was one of the stars on the pitch today as he dominated the left hand side, and had the opposition winger in his back pocket throughout. 9/10
Owen - occasionally seemed lost in the game but did a lot of the running in midfield and got himself a goal. 7/10
Alex - on occasions showed how good he was, but got tired very quickly in the second half and just took the easy option. 7/10
Sam - did well when on the ball but didn't seem to get heavily involved in the game and could've had a goal or two, but work very hard. 6/10
Alfie - was the star of the show and rightly so got man of the match, grabbing a hat trick and defending from the front, the perfect striker, shame he missed a few chances. 9/10
On a Personal Note:
We showed a great spirit today and we had everything, passion and hard work which the opposition couldn't deal with, we had too much quality in the end and showed why we are there divisions above them. I felt like I had my best game this season, keeping the team in the match at times, but it was a great team effort and we are very pleased to have won and be in the draw for the next round of the cup.
Gk- Cameron
Rb - Adam
Cb - Ethan
Cb - Harry
Lb - Ben
Rm - Owen
Cm - Alex
Lm - Sam
St - Alfie
(Yes we only had 9 players against 11)
THE OPPOSITION:
Sheffield Spartans are a side I knew a great deal about after facing them a number of times in the league when I used to play for Manton Athletic. They are a big physical side with good ariel ability but not as great with the ball at there feet. Despite them being 3 divisions below us we knew that we were gonna struggle with only nine players.
THE MATCH:
On the sound of the whistle we were straight in Sheffield Spartans faces and within a minute we were one nil up. A loose ball on the left corner of the 18 yard box allowed Alfie to strike a clean half volley across the goalkeeper into the top right corner of the goal. Despite the early setback, Spartans came forward on a number of occasions, only troubling myself once or twice with the occasional shot at goal. But in the end the pressure was too much for EMU's and on the fifteenth mark a low curling shot found its way into the corner leaving me rooted to the spot. But just like Spartans earlier on, we also replied strongly and got back into the lead on the 23rd minute with Owen making the most of a goal mouth scramble after a corner, by poking the ball in from close range. After this, the game stretched and both sides had chances, with both keepers being called into action. But five minutes before half time, Alfie made sure that EMU's would be leading going into the break, after missing two or three clear cut chances, he finally tucked away his second of the game.
HALFTIME SCORE: EMU's 3-1 Spartans
The second half began in a similar way to the end of the first half, fast and hard fought, with both sides tiring. A few nervy moments at the back for EMU's aloud Spartans to have a few decent attempts at goal but none really testing me. Fifteen minutes after halftime EMU's bagged a fourth and Alfie was in the right place to finish, and complete his hat trick. After the longest thirty minutes of the EMU's players lives, Spartans were awarded a controversial penalty after a scramble on the penalty spot led to Adam bring down the Spartans striker. But justice prevailed and I managed to save the penalty but only pushing it into the path of the on rushing attackers, but the defence stood strong and cleared the ball for a corner. This was the last kick of the game which both sides tried there hardest to win, yet it was a great game if you're a fan of goalkeepers.
FULLTIME SCORE: EMU's 4-1 Spartans
Player Ratings:
Cameron - had a very solid game in goal and saving a penalty to top it off, barely put a foot wrong. 9/10
Adam - also had a good game, struggled at the start with a tricky winger but in the second half, he showed his quality. 7/10
Ethan - similar to Adam, had a slow start but made five or six key interceptions including a goal line clearance. 8/10
Harry - started off as a defensive midfielder and looked very organised, when he moved into centre back he stayed solid and got stuck in. 8/10
Ben - was one of the stars on the pitch today as he dominated the left hand side, and had the opposition winger in his back pocket throughout. 9/10
Owen - occasionally seemed lost in the game but did a lot of the running in midfield and got himself a goal. 7/10
Alex - on occasions showed how good he was, but got tired very quickly in the second half and just took the easy option. 7/10
Sam - did well when on the ball but didn't seem to get heavily involved in the game and could've had a goal or two, but work very hard. 6/10
Alfie - was the star of the show and rightly so got man of the match, grabbing a hat trick and defending from the front, the perfect striker, shame he missed a few chances. 9/10
On a Personal Note:
We showed a great spirit today and we had everything, passion and hard work which the opposition couldn't deal with, we had too much quality in the end and showed why we are there divisions above them. I felt like I had my best game this season, keeping the team in the match at times, but it was a great team effort and we are very pleased to have won and be in the draw for the next round of the cup.
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