Late Goal Glut Downs Battling Dragons

Line up: Cameron (GK), Will L, William, Robin, Thomas, Lennon, Evan and Connor.

The Dragons flew out of the blocks! Seeing the boys pressuring the ball with great tenacity not giving the Bingley boys time to settle (really pleasing given it’s what we’ve worked on a lot). The early pressure paying off when Evan slotted home calmly after being put clean through.

This sparked Bingley into life and they started to see more of the ball. Showing good passing, movement and composure. A good half chance and a superb save by Cameron should have been enough warning. But it wasn’t and Bingley found the back of the net to pull level after we failed to clear the danger zone.

Great credit to the boys though their heads didn’t drop and they responded superbly. Two good opportunities for Evan could have seen us retake the lead but two great saves from the goalkeeper denied us.

At the first break Connor (making a deserved debut for the Dragons) came on in place of Robin and his running with the ball was a constant threat. We looked very dangerous on the counter attack with Evan, Lennon and Connor. Midway through the 2nd Quarter and up pops Evan again to give us the lead (we are looking very good). Bingley not enjoying the high pressure game we’re playing. Then bang! Cracking effort from range and the game is level again (arguably against the run of play).

Straight swap at the start of the 3rd quarter, Thomas off and Robin on. More of the same, pressuring well and hitting Bingley on the counter. That front three (Evan, Lennon and Connor) looking really dangerous again. Robin protecting the solid Will and William. Bingley playing a fluid passing game and always a threat. No goals and few chances but I really thought we could go and get a winner.

Into the 4th quarter and Evan off for Thomas. Not sure if this change upset the balance or if the boys were tiring due to the intense pressing game but we struggled for shape. Within a minute of the restart Bingley banged the ball home from a corner taking the lead for the first time. We stopped pressing and they controlled the opening 5 minutes extending their lead further.

We tried to get forward and get back into the game but Bingley’s heads were up and they were playing with confidence. Ours ebbing away and each time we go forward it breaks down. Now they’re hitting us on the counter, frequently 4 vs 2 at the back and in went Bingley’s fifth goal. The boys they did rally a little and had a couple of late half chances but the game was now beyond them.

Struggling to put my finger on why again this season we have looked good for the first 40 minutes of a game and then been undone by late goals. Losing 5-2 in this game is hard to take. The teams performance didn’t deserve that score line. For three quarters we were outstanding against a team that has come down from the B League. Bingley Athletico are a very good team showing great passing, movement and composure.

I’m delighted (and I told the boys this) that for a good portion of the game we battled and competed. Solid at the back and countering with pace and power up front.

Robin and Thomas were like terriers in midfield, pressuring the Bingley players. Will and William solid and composed at the back. Evan, Lennon and Connor causing problems on the counter attack. Well done boys, we dust ourselves down and go again next week!