Match Report

Eaton Hall (1) v Derby Ams (1)

Date: 20/12/08
Team: 2nds
Match Type: League
Venue: Away
Opposition: Eaton Hall

We had to travel great distances across space and time to play today’s fixture against Eaton Hall College, the Derby team picked for today had just 6 of last week’s starting 11 although we had a few first teamers that Dave felt needed a run out we still looked strong and intended to play as we have been doing over the past few fixtures.

nWe put last week’s disappointing defeat behind us and were hoping for three points from the last fixture of the year, Derby started to play their football and get the ball to the flanks from the off. This proved easier said than done with Eaton proving quick to counter when our attacks broke down, this made the game flow from end to end as both sides tried to prise an opening for the first goal.

Derby settled to a rhythm of trying to get the ball to the forwards, this happened successfully on several occasions with the ball going to or down the flanks and crosses being put into the box but without any end product. Derby’s goal came under threat through Eaton’s industrious midfield display and their quick distribution forwards and their striker’s efforts forcing our back four to block the shots and the keeper making excellent saves.

Eaton scored first with a well worked move which seemed to bypass Derby’s midfield and allow a free shot from the edge of the area which evaded both the defence and the keeper. We didn’t let our heads drop and kept working for an opening, with our efforts rewarded just before half time when a great through ball from Macmillan allowed Perry to find the bottom corner for his second goal of the season.

The second half was much like the first as the end to end play continued, Eaton seemed more determined to get a second goal but impressive displays from Moss-Pierce and Hanstock at the heart of Derby’s defence kept them at bay on more than one occasion. Derby seemed under pressure for most of the half but with Hosker and Hart always an outlet as well as both forwards who gave a huge effort today but without getting a goal for themselves we remained resilient to the final whistle.

A very hard earned point today but as I’ve said in previous match reports our mental attitude has been excellent and I’m sure that the next few fixtures will see us pick up some deserved wins. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed as Dave, the first team manager, came and watched last week’s game and was impressed enough to be interested in 3 or 4 players to try for the first team, so there’s a lot to aim for but most of all let’s keep playing our football and dictate to our opposition.