Looking to keep our unbeaten streak in 2020 going meant a trip to Norman Park to play top of the league Bromley SA. From the off it was very clear the wind was going to play a big part in the game. First half kicked off and we were playing with the wind. With that advantage it meant we played most of the half on the attack. We tried to play some football and our midfield looked good with the ball on deck. Our first goal came a little fortuitously after a nice bit of play to get into their box our initial shot was blocked, but their clearance smashed against James A face and caught their keeper by surprise who could only parry the ball into the net. A good start, but it felt we needed more with the wind advantage. Having overkicked his first corner Ollie adjusted and by his third found the towering head of Ben who burried the header from around the 6 yard box. The half continued with plenty of good heavy challenges going in and fair play to the ref who let the game run for the most part and allowed for a strong contest. We went into half time 2-0, it felt good but we knew it was going to be tough to defend. 2nd half we were def up against it, had to soak up a lot of pressure and huge long throws being launched into our box. We did concede about 20 mins in, when a mis timed header fell to their player who finished from inside the box. We did create a few chances, even me of all people having a shot cleared off the line. Sadly though, after a filthy tackle from Tom, they scored the equaliser from the resulting free kick, Fab could do little about the power generated from Greg’s beak. We continued to battle James and Ollie almost combined to put us 3-2 up. Saying that Fab pulled off a massive save to prevent us losing it 3-2. In the end the game finished a draw which although frustrating to give up the 2-0 lead felt about right on the balance of play.
Fabian had a big game couple crucial saves and dealt with the long throws and wind well. Linh got stuck in, good positioning and some great touches under pressure. Sam was solid, giving little away and offered some decent support up the pitch. Joe, Bjorn and Joe, played their parts in the back line. Similar to last week, covering runs well and doing the basics under pretty difficult conditions. James A had another strong performance, good feet and decision making, linked up well with forwards. Tom covered loads of ground winning a lot of the midfield battles and moving us forward. Michaels positioning and chat helped us calm things down. Louis was his strong self holding the ball up well. Ollie played well, linking up well with Tunji, making some decent runs and beating players. Tunji was strong and a real presence amongst their back line, feeding off scraps a bit in the 2nd half, but non stop work. Which just leaves Big Ben, who led our back line really well, calm under pressure, marshalling the troops, winning countless headers and a constant threat in their box from the set piece, deserved Man of the Match. Great team effort, a game we really couldn’t afford to loose and dug deep for. So next week another massive test, against Slade who won 8-2 today. The double is still on but it’s not gonna come easy.