Last Match Result

Maghull 1-2 Mallaby

Goals

Luke Balmer 15 min

Paul Ello 66 min

MOM

Shawn C

On paper this was a huge win for us, as all the sides in and around us lost, which makes our league position look a bit healthier at least. We started this game poorly though, which was to be expected to a degree as it was the first game for over a month, with the shape of the team being all over the place. Too big a gaps between players, a high line with no pressure on the ball, and us generally not being not switched on to danger. I actually thought the goal we got to take the lead woth through the excellent Luke Balmer was against the run of play to be honest, but once we got in front it seemed to give us that little boost we needed, and along with a couple of tactical tweaks made after discussion with Tom and Ryan we then dominated the remainder of the half. As has been par for the course for us this season we wasted some really good opportunities, with Ello and Jordan missing good chances, Cy smashing one off the underside of the bar, and us being denied a blatant pen for a handball. At half time if we came in 4-0 up it wouldn't have flattered us.

At half time we spoke about trying to kill the game off and not allowing the missed chances to come back and haunt us, and 2nd half i thought we were again in control and could have had at least 2 goals before Ello rounded the keeper to smash into the net after good work from Jordan, jack, and Balmer to make it 2-0.The last 10 mins or so we came under a bit of pressure as we dropped off a bit trying to see the game out and looked a bit nervous, which is understandable to a degree given how much we needed the points and also the fact we hadnt been in a winning position often this season. We eventually saw it out with a gutsy defensive display highlighted by a fantastic save late on from point blank range by Mikey Dixon.

All in all a good win away from home and some really good performances. MOM goes to Shawn Cherera who after 15 mins of the game had finally finished his warm up and went on to dominate the midfield and give the back 3 the protection they needed.  Luke Balmer runs him a close second with his goal and box to box display.

One final point- the extra running that Balmer, Blackie, and Muckmanaman have been doing in particular with Phil has clearly helped them during lockdown, and was evidenced in their performances here. I think all of u will benefit from it if u can get yourself out there and join them. I know u all love winning, so if u can do something for half an hour a couple of times a week that means your chances of winning increase on a saturday, that improves your confidence, then its a no- brainer for me.

Well done yesterday. Lets make it 2/2 next week and prepare properly this week.