Match: League Match 6 – Redditch United 2 vs 3 Maypole United

Date: Sunday 21st October 2007

Report: (By Darran Ward)

Walking across the pitch pre match showed that it was in perfect condition following some rain in the days before, the grass being dense and short and the ground with some give, ideal. The boys and the management team keen to move on from the lows of the last couple of performances, including changes on the pitch and at training to improve the boy’s lot. However, 33 seconds in and Maypole had struck the 1st goal – a scrappy “7 aside” goal with the “Reds” chasing the ball in numbers all the way into the Redditch goal! (Maypole playing in their red home kit and Redditch playing in their blue away kit). From the re-start Charlie crossed from the left for both Brad and Max to try to carve out a chance. This was followed by Brad breaking clear onto a Ben N through ball down the right, he forced a corner with Sam firing the 2nd ball inches wide. Nick, Charlie, Sam, Brad and Max then all combined to work the ball around the pitch well with Brad eventually seeing his goal bound shot well saved. It was beginning to look as though the keeper was going to have one of those games and stop everything sent his way. The boys were certainly giving Maypole plenty to think about and the new system was showing early dividends with good control and composure shown by all team members. Maypole’s main strength and approach was to send long balls over the top and fight for the scraps. One such route one play resulted in a throw in down the right, taken quickly to find a player on the edge of the box who tried an early shot and beat Ross giving him little chance of getting anything on the ball as it flew over his head to extend the away teams lead. What was becoming clear though as the 1st half drew to a close was that Redditch’s approach to the game meant they were controlling the play the longer it went on, restricting Maypole’s chances and possession as each minute passed. Each player from back to front, left to right was playing superbly, getting the ball down and laying off neat passes. Forward play was being cleverly built, attacking players when coming up against defenders in numbers moving the ball back to supporting team mates before receiving the ball back again in a classic one/two.

Half Time Score: Redditch United 0 vs 2 Maypole United

As the 2nd half got under way, Maypole launched a high ball into the box and Ross, commandingly, called the ball as he plucked it safely out of the air in what was to be some rare 2nd half action for him. For the next few minutes Redditch re exerted their presence in the midfield, with Jack and Dan replacing Matt and Ben N, breaking up Maypole attacks and neatly passing the ball away from trouble and into attacking play. Sam was revelling in his new midfield berth, his strength allowing him to win plenty of 50/50 balls before laying the ball out to teammates. From one such passage in play around the half way line the ball was slid to Max who sprang the offside, ran into the box and sidefooted a reverse ball into the net to reduce the arrears. A carbon copy then saw Max in the box again receiving a last ditch tackle resulting in a corner, superbly floated in by Charlie and met at the near post by Sam who swivelled to see his header go agonisingly wide. A rare sortie by Maypole gained them a corner, which was met at the near post, with a header to increase their lead again to 1vs3. From the kick off Nick made one of his now trademark “never give up” runs down the right, riding several challenges before eventually, deservedly being awarded a free kick in the last 1/3rd. Sam arrowed a dipping shot from distance into the back of the net, a beautifully crafted shot to bring the score to 2vs3. Yet another run from midfield by Max saw him fouled for a penalty, which he hit extremely well but was met by a flying keeper to deny him and keep the score the same to the end. With some very dubious/naïve refereeing to contend with the boys had played superbly, taken on their new shape and roles and delivered an outstanding performance which by its very nature meant that the score/result was of little relevance. Some big steps forward this weekend and some excellent displays to build on. If the boys continue in this vein then it will only be a matter of time before the results follow. With the team playing like this though, picking a man of the match proves extremely difficult, at one point during the match it was mentioned about having 14 trophies! Looking back, with another goal dubiously ruled out for offside, chances created by Redditch were well into double figures, as confidence builds goals will come. Well done to each individual in the team.

Full Time Score: Redditch United 2 vs 3 Maypole United

Reds Goals/Scorers: 2nd half: Max - midfield run into box, sidefoot shot past keeper.

Sam - free kick, right hand side of midfield, long lofted shot, dipping at last moment into net, following brave work from Nick.

Man of the Match: Max – chosen by team mates.

Formation:  4 - 3 - 3

Colours:  Blue/White Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Substitutes:  DAN, JACK