Furngate vets 4 vs 2 Crawley Athletic reserves

Writing ?? FURNGATE 4–2 CRAWLEY ATHLETIC ?? 3 POINTS — UP THE GATE! Solid numbers this week meant the gaffer had to leave a few faces out. Never a fun part of the job for the gaffer, but definitely a good headache to have! It was also the gaffer's final game of his ban, so taking charge today were Chris Lancashire and Roger Smith. From the first whistle, within about four minutes, it was clear Furngate were in control. The way we had set up was working perfectly, and we continued to dominate the game. We were playing some fantastic football — two and three-touch stuff, moving the ball quickly and creating chance after chance. Tester hit an absolute peach of a shot, only for it to come crashing back off the woodwork. How it didn't go in, we'll never know! But despite all our chances, somehow Crawley Athletic found a way through. The ball looked like it was heading out of play, but keeper Simon went 50/50 in a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge and, for some bizarre reason, the referee pointed to the spot. Penalty. 1–0 Crawley. Just moments before that, Crawley had also hit the bar. We couldn't believe we were behind. Surely it wasn't going to be the same old story — dominating a game but somehow finding ourselves losing? Tester then stepped up for a free kick... And yeah, you guessed it... STRAIGHT OFF THE CROSSBAR! So unlucky. Despite an excellent first-half performance, we went into the break 1–0 down. The scoreline certainly didn't reflect the way we'd played. HALF TIME: Furngate 0–1 Crawley Athletic Chris Bason on. Kenny off. Lancashire and Roger had their team talk. I'm not sure exactly what was said in that dressing room... But whatever it was, we came flying out! Within minutes, super-sub Chris Bason had drawn us level with a strike from so far out that we're still not sure whether it was a shot or a cross! 1–1! Who cares — they all count! Furngate were now playing with confidence. The back four were absolutely solid, while Muzza, Henderson and Tester were working brilliantly together in the middle of the park, creating chances and moving the ball out to the flanks. Then came the goal we'd been waiting for. A lovely pass from Chris Bason found Sam Tester, who drilled it home. 2–1 FURNGATE! Crawley started knocking on the door, but our back four and keeper were sweeping everything up. Then came one of the goals of the game. Chris Bason wins the ball, skims past three players and finds Muzza. Muzza plays it to Tester, who finds Morton. Morton then picks out Aaron Agyeman, who sets Morton up beautifully... Morton slots it home! 3–1 FURNGATE! And it gets even better. Moments later, Agyeman puts another one on a plate for Morton, and Arron makes no mistake. 4–1! With only five minutes to go, it was time to dig in. The win we so desperately needed was within touching distance. Crawley got a late corner and managed to pull one back in the final minute. 4–2. But that was it. FULL TIME: FURNGATE 4–2 CRAWLEY ATHLETIC THREE MASSIVE POINTS! ??? A special mention to Arron Morton, who grabbed his first goals for the club — and what a way to do it! Lee Henderson and Sam Tester were absolutely brilliant together in midfield. They're starting to look like Ant and Dec! ?? What a pair. At the back, Dicky was absolutely outstanding, controlling the defence and sweeping up everything that came his way. Playing through an injury — a torn ACL muscle — and still putting in that performance. What a guy. Ben Allison was equally fantastic at centre-back, while Sean Clarabut and Tommy Johnson were superb at full-back. Everyone played their part, including the lads coming off the bench. Of course, there's still plenty of room for improvement, but this was a great start to our campaign. ? MAN OF THE MATCH: DICKY ? A massive performance at the back. Furngate 4–2 Crawley Athletic ? Chris Bason assist Sam Tester ? Sam Tester assist Chris Bason ? Arron Morton assist Aaron Agyeman ? Arron Morton assist Aaron Agyeman 3 POINTS! UP THE GATE! ???