Thinkers' single a flop at CBS
PFFC 1 CBS 4
An injured Bryan meant we started the match with Matt in goal, Phil and Damian in central defence with Vipul on the right and Owen on the left. Kieran was brought back to central midfield alongside Tamber, Ally and Al on the wings with Conrad and Clarkey up front.
The match started well with PFFC showing the spirit and determination which has been evident for most of the season. After a tight opening 20 minutes, during which there were a few half chances, PFFC took the lead with a flowing move that brought back memories of the previous week’s victory. Some fine interplay in the opposition half between Kieran and Clarkey led to Conrad finishing well to add to his impressive tally for the season. Two opposition strikers had proved tricky when the ball was played to their feet but on the whole the defence dealt with them well by marking them tightly: Owen and Vipul dealt with any long balls well; and Phil had an outstanding game, keeping the main striker quiet for most of the match and timing his tackles impeccably. However he could do nothing about CBS's opening goal. A pass out wide to the right to one of their strikers who ran down the wing towards the corner and sent in what was meant to be a cross but ended looping over Matt and into the top corner of the goal.
Again, a tight match ensued until a needless free kick given away near the edge of the PFFC area was deflected off the wall into the net. Both of CBS’s goals had been fortunate but nevertheless they probably just edged the game as a whole up to that point. But soon PFFC were piling on the pressure with more flowing football involving Clarkey, Al and Ally, resulting in a close-range shot from the captain being well saved by the CBS keeper.
The second half was again a close affair with not many chances being created. A misplaced pass led to a third for CBS, before Jose – coming on for Al – floated in a lovely free kick which Kieran headed narrowly wide.
Punishment came yet again in the form of a goal for the opposition as another misplaced pass was dealt with to push the score line, perhaps unfairly, beyond the reach of the team.
However, again, great spirit and fight was shown to the end against good opposition and positives can certainly be taken from the match to push on till the end of the season.
PFFC: Matt; Vipul, Owen (Andy 80), Phil, Damian; Al (José 55), Ally, Tamber, Kieran; Clarkey (Tom 80), Conrad (1)