Away to Grange 2s

If last week's match was a chastening experience for most, this week's performance was something of a curate's egg.
The opening 35-minutes were very sloppy, with passes not going to front-sticks, or even players in some cases, and an aversion to denying the opposition space. Naturally, the 2s took full advantage of our offerings and held a comfortable 4-0 lead at the break.

The second half was vastly different in terms of output, if not score. We kept possession better, moved the ball forwards easier and created several good chances. The 2s were now the team having to work hard to win back possession. We closed down space better and were winning turn-over ball on a consistent basis. Unfortunately, in chasing the game, we were open to counter-attack, which the 2s did well, scoring at least two of their scond half efforts on the breakaway.
Players left the pitch feeling better that we had challenged ourselves and our opponents for a fair portion of the match. Now we must look to doing that over a sustained period of all matches.

Another admirable performance from Jack Hogarth in the midfield, continuing to display a great deal of maturity for such a young player. And big credit to Matt Holroyd, who tormented the 2s venerable centre-back partnership in the second half.

Thanks to Nik and Alastair for umpiring and to all the spectators who came along and watched - it was noticed and greatly appreciated.

Photo - some of the players on the pitch were from the same period