A week of rain had preceded AP 9’s second league game of the season, but we arrived at Coppetts road to find a pitch in surprisingly good condition, well much better condition than most of our players anyway! With star striker Will out with an injured toe, we lined up with a formation lacking an obvious target man on a very narrow pitch. From the off we found ourselves on the back foot, but resolute defending from the whole team, and some impressive acrobatics from Kev “the Cat” between the sticks, we managed to hold our own against an aggressive and physical team. We even came close ourselves with the best opportunities falling to Marlon and Stevie.
A rousing team talk at half time pumped us all up for a important second half in a relatively close game. It started badly however, with one of the defenders, I forget who, rather stupidly gave the ball away on the edge of the 18 yard box, and only some rather impressive keeping from Kev and last minute shot blocking from Mike, we managed to get away scot free! There were some highlights in the second half, which involved a couple of close chances for Alex, Stevie and possibly others (I forget), and again more impressive keeping from Kev, and a particularly enjoyable moment when Joshua span past 3 opposing players, knocking 2 of them to the floor and still came away with the ball! Unfortunately in the 80th minute the continued pressure by the Vamps (not the boy band) finally paid off, with them going one goal ahead.
Being behind with only 10 to go, AP changed their formation, bringing Khan on in an attacking midfield position and going 3 at the back. It was a risk that didn’t pay off, as we were pushing for the equaliser, Crouch End managed to grab a second, and put the game beyond doubt.
Overall this match was not our best performance, but still an improvement on the previous week. With Will back next week, and with the home advantage, I’m sure the 9’s will start a tremendous undefeated run! MOM: I’m not sure if you’re supposed to pick a MOM when you lose, but I’m going to anyway! It has to go to Kev “The Cat” for his sterling performance in goal, without which it could have been close to double digits!
