MATCH SUMMARY : Alton Pumas (16 January 2016)

<p>The first 15 mins were an absolute disaster from our perspective, completely outplayed, looking lost and defensively vulnerable and lucky to be just 1-0 down...On a large wide pitch, we were anything but compact and allowed the excellent number 9 to receive the ball unopposed and run straight at the defense with his pace and balance. He is a very clever player and Alton wide men made great runs off him. That first goal of theirs was simple but brilliant. Phantoms equalised after very little possession, good wide play from JC, before a scrappy second was scored by HD (they all count :-)) to lead against the run of play. An inability to clear the ball caused Alton to equalise 2-2 half time. The last 15 mins of first half was a big improvement with good possession stats but we looked vulnerable on the counter with the attacker playing between the defensive line and midfield.<br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" />Half time, we asked the boys what needed sorting and impressively they knew where things were going wrong. We spoke about getting tight on number 9 and to stop him turning, with the defensive line playing higher up the pitch where possible, to be more compact. Second half was a big improvement defensively and we attacked quickly. 3-2 after a penalty for some man-handling on Rob, which soon became 4-2 after a corner from Ed that was tapped in by EHE. <br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" />Some fine keeping from RE and defensive clearances, particularly JF kept final score 4-2.<br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" />Phantoms were lucky today, in the same way that we've been unlucky against Beacon Hill and other teams. Phantoms are on a great run we just need to ensure there are enough players on the pitch!!. Second half we needed some fresh legs on the pitch.