Game Of Two Halves But Predator Hold Out

It was only a five week gap between the last encounter with Predator and today's game, however at half time we had a four goal deficit to try and overturn as last season's champion's got out the traps like a speed train. The combination of their pace on the counter attack and their big centre forward was to prove the difference and for 20 minutes we just couldn't cope. Alex McDonald who netted four in his debut a week earlier was feeding off scraps alongside his strike partner Ross who was looking frustrated with every minute that went by. It was Alex who very nearly got one back just before half time when he won the ball back putting great pressure on their backline, he cut into the box and with just the keeper to beat you expected the net to bulge however he dragged his effort wide.

The message at half time was simple we needed to pick ourselves up and compete otherwise Predator could run away with it. The lads should be applauded for their performance in the second half and at least they can come away having shown fight and pride. Ethan Danku came on for Jude Carter and Pablo replaced Jeffo at right back. Suddenly we began to get on the front foot and compete. Ross done well to win the ball back on 46 minutes and went on a surging run down the right hand side, his cross/shot fell to Alex who had a tap in for his 5th of the season. With Gift moved back up front alongside Alex we began to hold the ball up better and some of the link up play was a million times better. Ethan had also come alive and once again shown what he can do off the bench. His long range effort would have beaten any other keeper however it was never going to trouble the biggest in the league. As we entered the last 10 minutes Alex went in on goal 1v1 with their keeper, he jinked around him only to be brought down leaving the referee with no option but to point to the spot. With Paddy off the pitch having been substituted it was Ethan Danku himself who picked the ball up and kept his cool to fire into the top left hand corner for his 6th goal of what is turning into a very good season. Alex had another chance late on but time was well and truly against us and Predator hung on which meant a 5th defeat of the season. So many positives however can be taken from today more so from the fight and character shown in the second half. Kalu also looked back to his very best and gave one of the finest performances ever witnessed in an L4 shirt. It is that level of commitment and desire that will be needed for the remainder of the season, as a mid table finish now has to be our minimum aim.