 |
|
|
The injury crisis was posing a slight problem for Meanwood. With Woody and Bissitt out, Meanwood needed to find some replacements quickly. Unfortunately, nobody was available and Meanwood were in the uneasy position of playing with just four players- Ayden Fertug, Gafa, Anthony Mckieth and Nathan Williams. Meanwood lined up with Ayden Fertug in net, while Gafa played the most defensive position in an unorthodox anything goes formation and the others just did what they wanted. Meanwhile, Kelly's Heroes had a full team…typical. It was a case of having a bit of fun and damage limitation for the Meanwood four.
Meanwood kicked off the match and almost took a surprise lead early on when Anthony Mckieth trickled his past a strong Kelly's Heroes defence and powered a shot towards goal. Nathan Williams added more pressure with a low driven shot. However, it was always going to be tough and Kelly's Heroes broke forward and used their on- man advantage to out number Meanwood's defence and put their striker through on goal. However, Ayden made a superb block. Kelly's Heroes continued to use their advantage and once again put another of their players through on goal, who managed to squeeze the ball past Aydan despite his best efforts. Meanwood also grabbed an equaliser when Gafa used his pace to cause problems and sent a shot goalbound. However, Kelly's Heroes' keeper got down quickly to make a good save.  Meanwood were then cruelly counterattacked and Kelly's Heroes once again used their man advantage to put Carlos one on one with the Aydan. Carlos then placed the ball past Ayden Fertug to make the score 2-0. Meanwood then deservedly pulled one back when a wonderful passing move was rounded off by Gafa who slotted home to from the edge of the area. Meanwood then conceded two in quick succession when two identical shots from the left hand side were squeezed in to make the score 4-1. Injury was added to injury, which was added to misery when Carlos grabbed another when he once again broke through one on one with Aydan Fertug to make the score 5-1. Meanwood then grabbed one back when Anthony Mckieth wormed his way round the entire Kelly's Heroes team and smashed a shot into the roof of the net to pull one back making the score 5-2 before half time. Overall, a good first half performance from Meanwood who were unlucky to concede as much as five goals.
The second half saw much of the same with Kelly's Heroes pressuring Meanwood by using their man advantage. Meanwhile, Meanwood decided to have a bit of fun and use it as a trickery exercise. The trickery practice ranged from trying to go round the entire Kelly's Heroes team with kick ups to trying to keep the ball for as long as possible. The game was played in great spirits and Meanwood even managed to grab a goal through Nathan Williams and another through Anthony Mckieth. However, Kelly's Heroes used their man advantage to punish Meanwood and put away another seven. The match finished 2-4 but the score line was harsh considering how well Meanwood had played with a man down. Man Of The Match- Anthony Mckieth Everyone played very well under the circumstances. None more so than Anthony Mckieth who used the match as an exhibition to show off his rich talents. Mckieth is now appealing for a well-earned break. Conclusion Overall, a good performance from Meanwood in a good spirited encounter. All of Kelly's Heroes' players believe that a full strength Meanwood team on this form would have comfortably beat them. That could well be the case but Kelly's could only face what was put in front of them and Meanwood's injury crisis could cost them next season as well if they fail to find a reliable replacements quickly. However, Meanwood can walk away from this match satisfied and use it as a backboard for next season. |