Kestrel's 1-2 Kingston Park

Another cup game, this time against one of the best and certainly strongest teams in the league who are fighting for the Div 1 title. We knew it would be our hardest test and that everyone had to give everything to match them and credit to you all, you gave everything you had and never let anybody down. We more than matched them and gave them one hell of a game and thats all I can ask from you all

1st Half
We started well as we knew we couldnt give K.park any time on the ball,we hassled them and got in their faces as much as we could which seemed to upset their rythm. They didn't seem to like us being physical back to them, I suppose they were'nt used to a team matching their strength. We were getting into their final 3rd a lot in the 1st 20 mins then when Ismael was played in he held the ball well and laid it off for Lewis to hit home 1-0. We had scored early and had a long way to go. K. Park players were not happy and started being more physical which we were matching unfortunately the only one not playing at their best was the referee who didnt take control and stamp out the niggles and fouls from both sides. We then started to rise to the bait of K.Park and wanted to get involved with the arguments with players which is what they wanted as we had upset their game they now wanted to upset our game. They were'nt gonna just let us win as they are a top side and always want to win. We started making silly mistakes which was down to concentration, Conner who has been outstanding for us all season and again in this game made a rare error and stumbled on the ball and their forward was through but missed a great chance then Dejavu it happened again this time he made us pay 1-1. Joe's goal kicks were not getting the flight they usually do and when he mis kicked out of his hands the ball went straight to one of their players and he then ran forward and finished very well into the top corner 2-1. This all happened in a15 minute spell before half time where we lost our concentration and had a few arguments with their players, the ref and ourselves and that is when our mistakes happened and we had given K.Park what they wanted. Half Time 2-1

2nd Half
We had a few words with each other and got the team spirit back and gave it a go and for the 1st 20 mins we had K.Park pinned back as we were getting lots of free kicks and corners which we came close on a few occasions and when Liam C headed the ball over the line we thought we had got the equalizer only for the ref to say it had'nt crossed the line. It was hard to tell but their players had said it the end it had crossed the line. Our defence were brilliant especially our MoM Ryan who was outstanding on his debut for us, we seemed to be able to handle what they were throwing at us. We then started pushing more upfront as we made changes and went looking for the goal we needed which then left gaps at the back but some great last gasp tackles from Liam C and Sam and also a great save from Joe kept us in the game. With a couple of minutes left we were putting pressure on K.Park again and when the ball was blocked by their players hands everyone claimed a blatant penalty but the ref at 1st gave a goal kick then changed it to a corner which was a shame cos even their players were saying it was a great save. We gave it our all but came up short 2-1 Full Time

Everbody can have their heads held high after that game as we gave one of the best teams in Div 1 the "hardest match they hve had all season" and that is the words of their manager, he was very impressed with the team but not as imporessed as I was because I know how well you can play and you showed it today. Every single player gave their all to try and win and that is all I ever ask from you. Our tactics were to get in K.Parks face and stop them playing which is what we did but then they done that to us which we coped with most of the game, only for 15 mins we didnt and that is what cost us. Against the best teams we have to conncentrate on our game and not get involved with the other team if their starting to lose it, take it as a compliment s you have them worried, but you must expect it back as they will never throw in the towel. On another day we might have got the pen or been awarded the goal but it wasnt to be, but let's take the positives from the game as we played very well as a team and if we take that into the league games we have every chance of winning the league. Team Performance 8/10. Very unlucky boys but proud of you all for a great effort, keep this up for the rest of the season and it will be another good season