Scorers: Leblatier, Joyce.
An encouraging performance from a new look team, but the wrong result. The 8s let a 2-0 lead slip against a team who were there for the taking.
17 players turned up at Albert Rd. The squad was made up of new players, some of whom had played versus the 7s the week before, and others making their debuts. Amit, Tyrone and I stepped down. After all, skipper Eric Madgwick needed some extra eyes on the touchline especially now there are rolling subs (what a naff idea). The opening 10-15 mins saw Old Parks on top but they didn’t score. This gave us a boost and with the impressive Jack Vickerstaff and Matthias Naelstadt in central midfield and with Emlyn Robbins and Alec Wright steady at the heart of the defence, the 8s got a foothold in the game. The boys played some neat stuff – all to feet. I was impressed. We went 2-0 up with excellent strikes from the edge of the box from Thomas Leblatier and Niall Joyce after good build-ups. We were the better side but OPs scored just before half-time, out of nothing.
OPs played better than us in the second 45, but if Jack’s 25-yard shot had gone in for 3-1, then who knows, but he hit the bar. As the game got stretched we looked vulnerable and they scored two more. Back came AP and we came close to scoring again through Jack Ellacott and a scramble in their box following a corner. Disappointing to lose when we didn’t deserve to, but fair play to the boys who came, played and enjoyed it. Thanks to Bryan King for playing at the last minute and doing well, making three excellent saves in the second half. MOM: Vickerstaff.
