Match Report - CRCC FC 4-4 ANTONIO BARBERS - 19th Sep

The new pre-season started with a well fought battle with a match against a team that is almost becoming our derby match for the season.

CRCC fielded a much changed side to the team that finished the last game of last season. With Player-manager Paul starting in between the sticks for the very first time, and other player-manager Jack starting as striker, injuried goalkeeper Luke took charge in the dugout.

A quick start to the match with Jack scoring a half-volley straight into the top right corner with CRCC's 1st shot on target. Great defensive play from our players kept us strong when the barber's pushed on to us but strong counter play from Jim, Pierce and Callum kept CRCC always looking like a 2nd goal would come.

And it's that great counter play that led to CRCC's 2nd goal. A long ball out to the left held up by Jack, with the on running support coming. A cross field pass to Jim on the right, controlled and rolled into the middle for club Captain Callum to score an excellent team goal.

Two quick goals from the Barbers took us to half time at 2-2, with the introduction of new player Dan making his full debut after a successful trail match during last season.

2nd half started like the 1st and Jack added his 2nd of the game with a volley whilst under pressure that hit the upright and turned in. Barbers responded with one of their own making it level again on 3-3.

We used our rolling on and off subs to keep the team fresh, and test our players across the whole pitch.

Callum added his 2nd and CRCC's 4th of the match with another well taken goal after some great build up play coming back on the counter, with Callum playing part in the build up aswell as the finish.

Barbers again responded making it 4-4 with a tense finish coming up.

With 20 seconds left on the clock, Pierce went on a dizzying run beating his man and taking a driven long shot which hit the underside of the crossbar, bounced down but unfortunately the keeper managed to get to it.

A great performance all over the pitch and although didn't get the final result still a lot of positives seen going into our 2nd preseason match next week.

#COYCRCC