After a few weeks on the road we was back at Crawshaw Meadows. Leeds Medics were the visitors. The reverse fixture saw us surrender a three goal league n drop two points. We knew we was in for a tough game if we wanted all three points this time ! 

 

 The game starts off a little scrappy for both teams as we struggle to find a rhythm in our play. Neither team seemed to get a grip on the game as the momentum swung back and forth without any clear cut chances being created. Medics lively front line started to click and finding space. Marcelo Pickup was in at right back so was Pickup Alves this week. He was replacing Tolly and was up against a tricky left winger who was making it hard for Tom, as he is left footed so found it difficult to put his usual last ditch tackles in. With about 20 mins gone it was one of these runs that got behind our back line, pulled the ball back, Nick blocks the shot well only for nobody to react to the lose ball and an easy tap in for Medics 0-1. We're well used to going a goal behind this season although its still bloody annoying !! What we haven't really done is bicker with each other as much as we did this week. its not a good look and needs to be stamped out Balotelli style.

 We started to see plenty of the ball passing well, apart from the final third of the pitch were the wrong option was used more than once. Medics however were creating chances too albeit from our own mistakes as well as fine play. Medics defence were standing strong against T n Jacko giving little away. A great chance to level came after a great freekick from CC finds Jackos head. The ball heads to into the far corner or an easy head in for T  but the keeper pulls off a worldy and deflects it away. Tommo cant adjust his body quick enough as it hits his shoulder and over the bar from a yard out !! We could sense a goal coming and again we came close as T lays the ball off to Oz on the edge of the box, a first time shot looks goal bound only for the keeper to tip round the post fro another great save. That shot cost us Oz as the late tackle attempting to block the shot caught him on the ankle. Kenny comes in to replace Oz in centre mid. Half chances came and went but pressure just before half time sees Medics concede a freekick out wide on Kev. CC asks the ref for an early shot then floats a shots high over the keeper just under the bar !! 1-1. A CC special ! Minutes later the HT whistle blows.

 

 A draw at half time was probably a fair result with teams having chances but not taking them. With a little improvement and team spirit this game was for the taking.

 The second half starts pretty much the same as the first. Both teams see a lot of the ball without really creating many clear shots on goal. We continued to work hard out of possession to regain the ball. Si n Kev working hard wide helping Westy n now Tolly (after replacing Pickup) with kenny and CC providing the cover and support for both attack and defence. Nick n Daz were working hard keeping the Medics strikers quiet. T n Jacko were tracked well and kept on a tight leash by Medics but were winning freekicks and finding teammates whenever possible. A penalty shout for us was the only real action to speak of early on when CC was put through but caught late after an attempted square pass, deffo pen not given. 

 A feature of the second half was our solid defending but conceding a mammoth amount of corners. They looked dangerous on set pieces but with Gilly been a giant he most getting to most of them first. If it wasn't Gilly it was another yellow shirt. Under pressure we knew a goal was needed but as much as we tried we couldn't seem to create a decent chance, not that i can remember anyway. We were limited to long shots and set pieces. A flamboyant volley from Kenny 18yrds out had the keeper flapping but goes narrowly wide.  

 With the heavy pitch the legs were tired. Both teams fighting for the three points. The game was very open and end to end, Medics were pressing at one point Nick and Daz were the last line throwing there bodies at anything in order to keep the ball out of our goal. Nick taking one in the nuts and Daz with a triple block. Very heroic. There ya go D i put it in for ya :) 

 With around five minutes to go Medics have a succession of corners, each one more dangerous than the last. The pressure is too much as one is whipping in and with another scramble it poked in from close range ! 1-2 Medics.

 We were now staring into the jaws of defeat for the first time in the league this season. We needed all our energy to pull something from the game. We never stopped working for the ball driving forward in search of the equaliser. Jacko hold the ball well and draws a foul from his marker. Gilly once again bounds up the pitch causing chaos. CC steps up and floats a ball in. Gilly jumps, Nick jumps, Daz jumps everybody jumped for that ball it seemed (apart from me i don't do headers lol) Its goal bound the keepers committed and the defender on the line cant get a clean contact and it bounces in off his knee !! 2-2 and only 30 seconds to play !! The celebrations ensue as Gilly n Nick claim the goal. It was only settled in the pub afterwards. It goes to Nick. A worthy scorer after his display today. 2-2 Full time. A fair result really but feels like a win with it been so late.

 

A hard fought draw this week lads but need to get back to winning ways against Batelians away this week. Long way to go yet with many twist and turns. Get to training, be safe, be happy. Kisses 

Man of Match: Jacko
W****R of Week: The long grass of Crawshaw Meadows