Great team performance

I don't mind losing. I mean, I don't look forward to it, and I don't enjoy it. But I am old enough to know that you can't win them all. But we've lost a few in a row now and although I can live with it - we've been beaten by better teams - sometimes you need something back for all the effort. This week we got our payback. Yes it's only a draw but against a team much higher in the division, a team who beat us comfortably in the Autumn.

This was a cracking game from the start - energy all over the pitch from both sides. We had the best of the first quarter, then more even towards half time - no goals from either team. They came out from the break looking to press aggressively. We were under pressure, and after 10 minutes or so they got their chance and it was well taken. They seemed to lose a little energy after that, but our belief was strong and if anything our levels went up. We managed some great passages of play that had them streaming back to their own goal to defend. We pushed and pushed and eventually we got the goal we ABSOLUTELY deserved. They were muttering to themselves miserably whilst we were flying on emotion. 1:1 was probably a fair final score, but I think we edged the game overall.

I think to a man we enjoyed that one. It was a genuine team performance and everyone deserves a mention :

Eric - a few saves but the moment of genius was asking for a change of ball because he didn't like the way it clashed with his outfit. Definite game changer
Richard - So much more confident on the ball these days, some useful distribution. Excellent projection of his advice too a confused midfield player - no problem hearing that from the seats at the back
Matthew - tackle, make space, distribute (intelligently), repeat.
Gary - a new, unphased approach to receiving the ball under enormous pressure. We might've been worried about some of the strolling around our own D with the ball but Gary wasn't. He's been watching videos and it's paid off. Wondering what other areas of his personal life have enhanced after intense scrutiny of streamed video
Michael - consistently available to receive the ball and then great speed running with it
Harry - first game for M6 this season (I think). Brought a new dimension to the team - literally - with his aerial balls
James E - only just off the plane from Cape Town and hitting the astro running. All over the pitch. Welcome to the UK - great debut performance
Josh D - on loan for the day. Scored the goal. Good skill and loads of enthusiasm (which explains the 'lofted' pass to the back of the opponent's head)
Jeremy - also on loan, brings a calmness to the pitch - some good stuff moving the ball out of difficult situations. And generally a great encouragement to everyone - good for the soul
Hugo - always a threat up the right. Pace and skill. Far, FAR too hard on himself - I'd love to have your ability Hugo
Ian - always moving, always making room for himself and others up top. Mr motivator.
Jago - Endless running. Constantly put their guys under pressure resulting in promising turnovers.
Will - after a long night of 'preparation' he made it to the game. Nothing he did on the pitch could overshadow that one major achievement
Me - I don't touch the ball so much these days, but I ran like a dog. As in, I panted a lot.