9th October, 2019 - Milford Pumas 1 v 2 Loxwood
So some games you can sit back and marvel at free-flowing, skillful encounters where two teams endeavour to out-do each other for supremacy in pace, skill and athleticism. ... and this is where the term the 'beautiful game' was coined!! ................... However, this game was definitely not in that category!!
To be fair to both sides the pitch surface was atrocious, which effectively nullified any crisp passing. So this game was more about the 'ugly' side of the game! Who would be more determined, more physical, and more ruthless in converting their chances? There have been many an occasion where Loxwood would have lost such an encounter, but its a testament to the maturity of the boys that they cannot only play the 'beautiful game' but they can now also 'win ugly' !!
The game started with a minute's silence for Remembrance Sunday impeccably observed by both sides. And then we were off! The pre-match talk had focussed on starting well but unfortunately that just didn't happen as the ball got continually stuck in midfield as both sides struggled with the bobbly pitch. I don't think I've seen so many skewed, missed clearances and 'airkicks' from both sides!!!
Milford were awarded an early penalty following a handball, but Neo stood tall and made an athletic save to paw the ball away. As the game flowed either way, the Magpies were unlucky not to score as Charlie's speculative shot was spilled onto the post and then Tom nearly converted with a header after the keeper spilled a Liam free kick. Milford then began to build some momentum with a good strike being touched on to the post by Neo, and then following a couple of defensive slips allowing their striker in to convert for 1-0 to Milford just before the break to bring a scrappy half to an end.
The half time talk was not pretty either, but the boys came out with a renewed purpose and determination and began to take control with Rowan looking lively and Neo beginning to harrass the Milford defence. And then Loxwood broke their duck with a good finish from Neo. This was followed by some excellent attacking play where the Magpies came agonisingly close to taking the lead after a goalmouth scramble only for Milford to clear, and from the resulting cross from Hamish a Milford defender headed passed his keeper for what was ultimately the winning goal.
Loxwood were then able to close out the game by keeping the opposition to minimal chances, although the only time they did break through, Charlie Davies made an excellent stop with the striker through on a one-on-one.
So the magpies held out for a scrappy but great win!! That's 5 on the trot unbeaten now. Come on you whites!!
Man of the match this week goes to Harry 'Bubba' Bubb who did a sterling job in marshalling the defence and keeping Milford chances to a minimum in what were difficult conditions ..... and of course also to Kinley's Mum for providing some well-received hot chocolates for everyone at the end of the game. Thank you Bik-Kay!!!
So some games you can sit back and marvel at free-flowing, skillful encounters where two teams endeavour to out-do each other for supremacy in pace, skill and athleticism. ... and this is where the term the 'beautiful game' was coined!! ................... However, this game was definitely not in that category!!
To be fair to both sides the pitch surface was atrocious, which effectively nullified any crisp passing. So this game was more about the 'ugly' side of the game! Who would be more determined, more physical, and more ruthless in converting their chances? There have been many an occasion where Loxwood would have lost such an encounter, but its a testament to the maturity of the boys that they cannot only play the 'beautiful game' but they can now also 'win ugly' !!
The game started with a minute's silence for Remembrance Sunday impeccably observed by both sides. And then we were off! The pre-match talk had focussed on starting well but unfortunately that just didn't happen as the ball got continually stuck in midfield as both sides struggled with the bobbly pitch. I don't think I've seen so many skewed, missed clearances and 'airkicks' from both sides!!!
Milford were awarded an early penalty following a handball, but Neo stood tall and made an athletic save to paw the ball away. As the game flowed either way, the Magpies were unlucky not to score as Charlie's speculative shot was spilled onto the post and then Tom nearly converted with a header after the keeper spilled a Liam free kick. Milford then began to build some momentum with a good strike being touched on to the post by Neo, and then following a couple of defensive slips allowing their striker in to convert for 1-0 to Milford just before the break to bring a scrappy half to an end.
The half time talk was not pretty either, but the boys came out with a renewed purpose and determination and began to take control with Rowan looking lively and Neo beginning to harrass the Milford defence. And then Loxwood broke their duck with a good finish from Neo. This was followed by some excellent attacking play where the Magpies came agonisingly close to taking the lead after a goalmouth scramble only for Milford to clear, and from the resulting cross from Hamish a Milford defender headed passed his keeper for what was ultimately the winning goal.
Loxwood were then able to close out the game by keeping the opposition to minimal chances, although the only time they did break through, Charlie Davies made an excellent stop with the striker through on a one-on-one.
So the magpies held out for a scrappy but great win!! That's 5 on the trot unbeaten now. Come on you whites!!
Man of the match this week goes to Harry 'Bubba' Bubb who did a sterling job in marshalling the defence and keeping Milford chances to a minimum in what were difficult conditions ..... and of course also to Kinley's Mum for providing some well-received hot chocolates for everyone at the end of the game. Thank you Bik-Kay!!!
Minutes Silence 'lest we forget'
'Re-energising' at half time
