Carnage got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over mid table 144U. It wasn’t pretty but it was a distinct improvement over last week’s performance. Despite Coach’s direction to keep passes short there were still too many long hit-and-hope attempts which put undue pressure on our backs as we kept giving the ball to them. They were not particularly good but our free offerings made them look so much better and they were particularly dangerous on the break. Fortunately the defensive screen was able to scramble back to snuff out the danger and Neil was on inspired form with a string of fine saves to keep a clean sheet.
At the other end things were not going much better. It was definitely an improvement over last week as the chances were being created but it just wasn’t going in. Mofo came close with a near post attempt after great work down the right by Stuart and a number of short corners were earned however the penalty routine was off the boil and we failed to capitalize. Shortly before half time Marc ‘Angles’ Rimmer demonstrated his preference for narrow crevices with a straight drive on the bounce that crept between the keeper and the post and was still climbing when it hit the side netting on the other side. It was a moment of light relief but we still had plenty to do.
The second half was more of the same with chances and short corners going to waste and soft passes at the other end gifting the opposition their own opportunities. Despite the theatrics at each end, it was the solid performance from our midfield workhorses that kept the chances coming and slowed their attacks. Dan in particular was tireless in running back to defend after supporting each failed attack but there were also strong performances from Stuart, James Kenny, Lester, Miles & Thomas who fought hard for every ball. It wasn’t pretty but it was effective. In the end It was Thomas who picked out Poppet lurking on the back post for a deflection that made the result a little more certain.
Another break ahead for CNY but hopefully not long enough to allow the cobwebs to settle. The next game is in 2 weeks on the grass at Recreio so we need to make sure that we don’t lose our momentum.