Bit of a disappointing end to the year in a game we had high hopes for at the start, a combination of over complicated tactics – a man marking system that the defence couldn’t adjust to – and some early pace destroyed any hopes for a Cazbar victory in 2008.
There were few positives to take from the first half where we were largely overrun by a team able to break in numbers and defend resolutely. We did forge forward but there was a clear separation between the midfield and the defence which they exploited fully.
The second half was a case of playing for pride and to be fair we had a twenty minute spell where we were the better side, unfortunately the opposition were so far ahead it barely mattered. A well worked goal from Dan Deal a result of the tireless running from Shannon Townsend and thoroughly deserved. We need to convert those twenty minute spells into full halves next year and then into full games.
The last twenty minutes of the game descended largely into a farce and was played with some great Christmas spirit from both teams. Notable moments included Simon’s nose bleed moment , clear on goal and a wonderful header which deserved so much more from James the Goalie. Charlie and Simons on pitch handbagging seemed to get them going, maybe a punch up before the game is what we need!
The result disappointing, the game enjoyable as it was played in the right spirit, time to move on to 2009 with renewed energy and vigour.