Lost 1 - 2 v East Barnet OG's (A), SAL Intermediate Div II

Blues Twos  go down 2 -1

Norsemen Reserves got a lesson in mens football this weekend as straight up intensity and basics got the better of them. On top of that, once again we didn't help ourselves by having Saturday morning pullouts and players arriving late to the match. When you have up to 13 other players relying on you each weekend it simply isn't good enough to let them down at the last minute by pulling out or not managing your time properly to get the correct bus and arrive on time! 

On to the football and we feel we missed a chance this weekend. A hard fought first half heading for a nil all, all changed when the basics of defending weren't adhered to. The initial tackle was a good one, but to then be caught in possession after taking on an opposition player in the defensive third is a defensive no no. To compound that by conceding a penalty is something that is catastrophic for the team and something the player in question will I'm sure learn from.

Unfortunately the second goal came through the same channel shortly after and depleted the teams confidence further. It stemmed from no look square balls in midfield and giving the opposition to much respect and time on the ball. The Norsemen defender was isolated without help from his fellow central defender or right back and was easily turned allowing a free strike on goal which the goalkeeper was unable to keep out. 

2 - 0 EBOG's at the half.

Norsemen came out in the second half with two substitutions being made. They seemed to give Norsemen a bit more purpose and bite up top and helped the Blues Twos retain more possession in better areas of the pitch. A goal which would have placed them firmly back in with a shout was a huge chance when Larry Laniyan was bundled over in the penalty box. The tide was shifting and you could sense the sigh and discouragement when the referee awarded the penalty to Norsemen. The only problem was it was not a penalty but a yellow card for diving. Twenty-two players stood in disbelief.  Half felt they just dodged a bullet.

Norsemen had no choice but to continue to press and while conceding the odd chance were good for their equalizer when Laniyan bundled the ball home from a free kick. Debate rages about the possibility of it being an own goal but you try taking it off the big man! 

Unfortunately it was to be the last real chance for Norsemen and we were left ruing a chance missed. We need to learn quickly that concentration and commitment starts at 2pm, an hour before kick off rather than at half time. Next week is Actonians and I feel that if we apply ourselves and work for each other, communicating, responding to communication and working our socks off from minute one, we can go out and get the first 3 points of the season. 

Stand tall Blue Giants.