A disappointing turnout saw only 8 men pitch side ahead of our match against the Shaheen youth squad on Sunday.
Coach Matty adjusted the team positions to defense and midfield only in the hope that reinforcements would arrive soon.
By the time the game started we had added a lone striker to the team and thus it stayed for most of the first half.
Shaheen were faster, fitter and more skilfull but they could not get through. It was far from being a one sided assault though as Carnage played intelligent hockey to work the ball up the field when we had possession. There was also the occasional break out and OFT, Poppet and both Shue brothers all had the opportunity to demonstrate their composure on the ball while waiting for support. Unfortunately no clear cut chances emerged but the pressure was even.
At the other end, stirling defence from Paul 'body on the line' Bains, Benno and Arse and a special mention for Jiten 'Thou shalt not pass' Melwani kept Achim relatively quiet in goal. The Valley tactics seemed to baffle the Shaheen youngsters and soon they resorted to long ball hit and hope hockey which our defence were more than a match for. Their only goal resulted from a miscommunication and an unmarked player at the back post to execute a gentle tap in. A few minutes from the end of the half and reinforcements arrived to bring us up to 11 as the whistle blew. 1-0 half time score.
Coach Matty set expectations and demanded a goal fest. Capt Poppet wanted to be angry about the latecomers but couldnt because he was pooped!
The second half started much stronger. Valley in control of the ball for long periods with controlled break outs and strong defence. Coach spotted that they were holding back and suggested walking up rather than running. It worked a treat! From a self pass on the sideline Poppet walked the ball 5 metres before they closed in. A quick push to Kenton who managed to get it back to Poppet for a turn and SMACK! 1-1.
There were more chances including one which resulted in our only short corner but ultimately we were undone by poor attendance. I would like to think that if we had started with 11 and subs we would have wiped that team off the map. We have another opportunity to prove it later in the season but those are the sort of games we should be winning and the success of our season depends on converting these opportunities into 3 points every time.