Earls Barton 2 v 1 SRJFC Rebels
 
Team line up was Connor, Adam G, Matt, Sam P, Aidan, Harry P, Reece, Will, Scott, Ed and Oli, with Lewis and Nat coming on as subs in the 2nd half.

It was more of the same from the lads with regards to our sluggish start as Barton put us under some early pressure in the torrent of rain that had continued from overnight. However, Connor making his debut in goal did extremely well holding onto the ball on a number of occasions when under pressure from advancing forwards.
Gradually we got into the game and began to thrust forward with foraging runs from Will, Harry P and Reece who in turn played some great balls through to our trio of forwards. After 12 mins we broke the deadlock when after some good link-up play from Scott and Ed – Reece burst through the right hand side of the penalty area to finish in classic style across the keeper into the bottom left corner – 1 nil to the Rebels.

We had further chances to extend the advantage but the Barton keeper was equal to shots and crosses that we managed to fashion with the wind behind us.

HT 1 nil to the Rebels

The 2nd half started in much the same fashion as the first with our back four under pressure however unlike the first we couldn’t break out of defence as Earls Barton’s well drilled midfield kept the ball well in our half and after a few minutes had equalised from a well struck shot from the edge of the area that skidded off the surface to leave Connor no chance and so it was 1-1.

The lads started to tire a little under the pressure but looked to have weathered the storm and were again making headway into the Barton half when we got caught out up field and a Barton player managed to break clear and beat the advancing Connor to make it 2 – 1 to Earls Barton with still 15 minutes to play.

Unfortunately, we didn’t quite have the run of the ball in the final third as any through balls were well dealt with by their keeper and defence and so it finished 2 – 1.

The lads were clapped off the field by the well drenched fans showing their appreciation of what was a great game of football played in a great spirit.

A tremendous effort by the whole team and with a little more luck we may and perhaps should have come away with a point. As always, we’ll all look forward to next week where we hope to get back to winning ways J
 
Chris/Neill