CANTERBURY MARINERS WALKIN vs WOODCHURCH 50s
0 - 2
06 October 2024
Home league match played on 06 October 2024.
Kicked off at 1:00 PM
0-2
vs WOODCHURCH 50s
Home league match
The second half of Super Sunday saw the 50s also take on Woodchurch in the league. With a few injuries and people away, we had a revamped side albeit still a strong team. The game started in its usual cagey fashion with both teams probing but the defensive units definitely on top. We limited Woodchurch to a couple of speculative shots from range but struggled to get much going forward. Jason was often isolated and we found ourselves going square rather than forward. We managed to test their keeper a couple of times from range but he was up to the task (same keeper who played against our 60s).
The midfields cancelled each other out with Paul man marking their playmaker and not allowing him to get much going. The Woodchurch player was clearly getting frustrated and was guilty of coming through the back of several of our players. Woodchurch in general seemed to be a physical side and appeared to prefer to break up play rather than allowing us to get into a rhythm.
Just when it was looking as though the first period would end goalless, they were awarded a free kick on the edge of our box after a blocked shot went high. The initial free kick was well defended but the ball broke to a Woodchurch player who manged to get a toe poke towards goal which through a group of players and passed Steve who was largely unsighted.
Going in at half time was unfortunate but it allowed us to regroup and refocus on getting our attack going.
We came out for the second half and were soon on the front foot. We got our press working better and made some inroads in their defence. A tweak in formation saw Gareth playing alongside Jason and we started to get more shots away.
As the time went on we pushed harder to get back level and played higher up the pitch. This was always a gamble leaving us more exposed at the back and Woodchurch managed to pick up on a loose ball, broke away and scored a second.
Despite our best efforts, their defence held out and the game ended in defeat for us 0 - 2.
Every player gave their all as ever leaving every ounce of energy as well as blood, sweat and tears on teh pitch. I couldn't have asked for more from anyone. A special mention to Rob Johnson who only became available at the last minute and changed his plans to make it.
My thanks to Paul C, Ian M and Linden who were unused substitutes but remained poised and ready to come on.
Additionally, thank you to Jan and Andy C that offered additional encouragement and guidance from the side lines and their input at half time.
Finally many thanks to the friends, family and club members that gave up their Sunday lunchtime to come and watch the game.
The POTM was Gareth.