Match: Midland Junior Premier League Match 5 – Redditch Utd 1 vs 1 Inkberrow

Date: Saturday 18th October 2008

Report: (By Darran Ward)

After the first four games of the season against table top opposition this fixture was the next match for the lads to try and chalk up some points on the board, and in fact the result appears to have been somewhat of a watershed. The game started with the Reds closing down Inkberrow and winning plenty of midfield ball with the boys settling well into their formation now having toyed with several set ups pre season to find a best fit for the lads. Rossy, having being joined at the club by a 2nd substitute keeper and therefore creating competition for his place, similar for all positions across the team, was having one of his best starts in terms of his positioning and sweeping up across the box and last third, great to see what a bit of rivalry does and also how it can be used to improve a players individual game. The formation ‘strength’ meant that after winning the ball in the midfield because of having the numbers in the right place at the right time Reds could break with pace, Nick in particular working well with Sam through the middle of the team, springing defence into attack on several occasions. The ‘fly in the ointment’ was the pacey, Inkberrow left winger, who used his space and pace well to receive diagonal balls from the midfield before cutting in towards the box, giving Ben Mc a torrid time and after 20 minutes of running he was blown out and needed to come off the field of play to give himself a breather. Max was switched to right back, having intimated that he would like a spell of defensive action a few weeks earlier, with Dan coming on up front to partner the powerful runs of Matty. The switch had an immediate response of the winger threat being nullified, attempting 3 more runs, each time Max cutting him short with his pace and tackling. Reds attacked down the right but were stopped just over the halfway line and as Inkberrow moved forward a switched ball was played right over and across Reds back line to the attacking right winger who having ghosted in, strode towards goal to finish giving the visitors the lead, arguably against the run of play. Matty broke free from his defenders to chase down another excellent midfield ball slicing open the visitors defence. However, the ’berrow goalie read the danger and flew from his box to close him down, both players colliding in a crunching no nonsense tackle which left Matty requiring attention and in fact having to be subbed with a knock to his knee.

Half Time Score:  Redditch Utd 0 vs 1 Inkberrow

‘Ant’ who has joined up with the club over the last few days replaced Ross in goal for the second half and acquitted himself superbly, only meeting his team mates minutes prior to today’s match and fitting straight in. He marshalled his back line and covered his penalty area with aplomb. Soon after and a midfield ball from Robbie was played forward to Matty who on the turn slipped Brad immediately in to play down the left wing. Brad continued his run all the way into the box, weaving in and out of defenders and just as it appeared that he had taken the ball too far whipped in a cross to the near post where Matty had continued his run and was on hand to deftly flick the ball goalwards beating the outstretched keeper, 1v1. Reds continued with some great pressing and passing and hemmed Inkberrow back in their own third for long periods. The visitors must have had some attacks, as Ant stood out for his performance in the goals, but they surely could be counted on one hand as it felt Reds spent the majority of the 2nd half camped in the visitors half! Danny and Brad were linking well playing one-two’s through the middle, and really every player to a tee had rolled their sleeves up and dug in together as one to take the battle to the visitors who gamely kept the Reds at bay. Ben N entered the fray for the last few minutes and almost found himself on the score sheet immediately, meeting a cross at the near post. A superb game for the boys ended without the stalemate being broken, although the ball did hit the back of the net, it was after the final whistle had gone and could not count! Well done to a massively attractive match by both teams involved. Credit to Ross, who after the final whistle, ran straight to Ant to congratulate him on his efforts in goal. Credit also to Chopper for his attitude after being substituted, a very mature response by a great team player! Another incredible improvement by the lads, as they continue to raise their game in the new league. Today’s performance moves the boys closer to their first win and judging by the dressing room ‘noise’ after the game for achieving their 1st point of the season, to one hell of a party when they do notch those precious 3 points. Four defeats straight off has been a lot to deal with for the boys and parents alike (managers as well I dare say!) but today’s performance and result has rebuilt some of the dipping confidences and moved everybody on again from the last few weeks with renewed optimism. The lads will be looking forward to their next game with a hunger to continue where they left off today!! Come on the REDS!

Full Time Score:  Redditch Utd 1 vs 1 Inkberrow

Reds Goalscorers:  Matt

Man of the Match: Max - a great performance but the team deserved it as well (written by Max!!!!)

ROSS

BEN Mc

ROBBIE

HUDDY

SAM

NICK

GEORGE

BRAD

CHARLIE

MATT

MAX