The 8s received a second half thrashing to slump to their heaviest defeat of the season against a good Broomfield side.
An excellent Olly Tolcher goal from a Parsons through ball, and an unbelievable 70 yard strike from Jamie Roberts, had the 8s 2-0 up at the interval but a second half littered with mistakes and bad decisions left the home team well beaten.
The warning signs were there throughout an eventful first half, with 8s ‘keeper Jamie Roberts forced into some outstanding saves as well as brilliantly denying Broomfield from the penalty spot (for the 2nd time this season). He capped a superb first half by spotting the Broomfield keeper off of his line and punishing him from the edge of his own area. This sort of goal would normally be put down to luck, but not in this case. Roberts looked up, saw the Broomfield No.1 out of position and beat him with an amazing strike.
Instead of starting the 2nd half strongly, the 8s gave the ball away cheaply, lost concentration, and within 15 minutes of the re-start Broomfield had pulled it back to 2-2. A horrific series of mistakes at the back then gifted the visitors a 3-2 lead minutes later and AP were really up against it. To their credit the home team tried to gather themselves and find a way back into the match, and Paddy Knight came close to equalising after heading Olly Tolcher’s cross just wide. The 8s were on the front foot but then got caught out on the break as Broomfield punished them with two further late goals to complete a 5-2 win.
Despite the defeat, Gavin Johnson, Olly Tolcher and Jack Parsons all played well.
M.O.M undoubtedly goes to Jamie Roberts – Numerous good saves, a wonder goal and a penalty save. Didn’t deserve to be on the losing team.
As usual there was no faulting the 8s effort and commitment, but the visitors taught us a lesson in keeping possession of the ball and playing with composure throughout their team. On the upside – Spurs, United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea have all been on the end of heavy defeats this season, and recovered, so the 8s are in good company. We need to put that performance behind us, cut out the cheap mistakes and focus on playing with more composure for the remaining six games. It’s much more enjoyable that way and has previously got us some good results. A good run of form and a Champions league spot is still possible.
