TREMENDOUS TEAM EFFORT ENSURES FANTASTIC WIN AGAINST LEAGUE LEADERS.
Well, dear readers, yet another Saturday morning where the County boys surpassed themselves with bags of TEAMWORK, hard work and skill.
(Lads, every single one of you deserve great credit today as you battled hard against a strongly motivated and organised Saints team. Saints were really up for this one and their coach, Graham, had clearly prepared them well. They fought for every ball and showed why they are top of the league and doing so well this season).
In the PMBU the County coaches emphasised the need to compete from the first whistle but the 'Henry V' motivational speech did totally the opposite of what was intended as Saints scored a super goal after only 45 seconds: County failed to challenge properly at the edge of the area and Gabriel slotted home from close range.
But once again, there was a good reaction to this setback and everyone got behind each other, inspiring confidence, and clawing their way back in the game.
The game went from end-to-end with County having several 1-on-1 chances with Tony, but he was having a tremendous game in goal. At the other end Lewis also had to be smart in taking several long range shots, including a great free kick that was going into the top corner. Well done to both Goalies!
County came more into the game with Mark again showing vision and calmness on the ball and putting neat passes left, right and through the middle.
Tom was steady as a rock with some great tackles and passes (his distribution is better and better all the time). Kevin and Callum were excellent in the middle of defence and they were clearly encouraged by Michael Goold on the sideline who was shouting for every ball. (We had 15 1/2 players out there today lads... thanks Michael).
With County under pressure, Leo and Tom, were both in the thick of things, handling everything that was put their way. Anton and Joe were giving great support by tackling like tigers and linking up well with Paul and Jack.
Ten minutes before half time, Leo passed out to Joe who hit a lovely ball into the corner (the coaches favourite pass - you know) and Craig worked hard to win the corner.
Joe made a quick move to take a defender away from the near post position, and despite a good attempt from Kevin, the ball was cleared to the edge of the area where, (listening to the coaches as always), Mark had placed himself. Mark rattled one of those shots that he is famous for and the ball rocketed into the net, albeit with a slight deflection, but that ball was always goal bound - no mistake!
Half time 1-1.
Again, the 'percy pigs' did the trick at half time and the coaches asked for even more effort, more determination and a more composure in front of goal. After 10 minutes all 4 subs were on and they deserve a special mention for making such a positive impact. This is what the coaches want to see. County got stronger and stronger as the game went on and Liam was having a bigger and bigger impact. One super challenge by Liam nicked the ball away from their player, he played a lovely ball into Jack who played it to Paul and it ended with a super shot from Craig that just missed.
Euan was now having a stormer at right midfield and Dougie was working tirelessly, running everywhere and closing down the opposition. Tam was amazing at right back where he made 3 tackles in close succession to stop Saints in their tracks.
All of this contributed to a deserved 2nd goal - and what a goal it was! Tam made another fantastic tackle, picked himself up, looked around and played a nice ball back to Kevin, who hit a beautiful long pass to Paul. With his usual control Paul beat his man neatly, feigned a cross then picked out Jack in the penalty box. Jack smacked it into the top right hand corner... Come on you Pies!!!!!
The 3rd goal was even better. Anton, having a commanding performance at left back, won a terrific tackle and slipped the ball inside to Liam. Liam beat his man with a super silky skills turn, looked up and saw Dougie making a fantastic run on the right.... Liam sent a perfectly weighted diagonal ball to Dougie (this pass looked like a Tiger woods fade onto the green........a wonder pass if ever we have seen one). Dougie's touch was just right, he then showed his selflessness and skill as he looked up and hit a pass behind the defence right into the path of Craig.
Did anyone think that Craig looked remotely like missing....not on you Nellie! Craig, (now to be known as Mr.Cool on the pitch as well as off it), calmly looked up and chipped Tony from 25 yards, sending the ball high into the net ...Oh Boy, what a beauty!
(It had been very tense at 2-1 and you could tell everyone wanted this 3rd goal - as all 11 players and 4 subs jumped on Craig to celebrate).
County then closed the game down with the whole defence keeping Saints out. Lewis, as always, being calm, collected and tidy inspired confidence (is that super glue you use on your gloves Lewis?)
We all thought that was that until Euan set out to score goal of the season. Calum won the ball, passed to Tam who played an accurate pass to Euan running in on goal... Euans 1st touch had everyone out of their seats
(well you know what we mean)
go on Euan we all shouted... but the ball zipped just over...aaaaahhhh!
The final whistle the sounded from the ref (James McGoldrick), who had a professional game) and a jubilant County had won 3-1.
Everyone got a mention for MOM but Calum's superb all round performance... (can you remember one mistake?) won the day with Craig getting the supporters MOM. Well done you two.
We have a tough game next week against an improved Harmony Row and we may have a friendly tomorrow against Clyde Soccer. Please can you make it? It is not definite but a possibility.
David and Michael.
