Christchurch v Kings Park Dynamos

Match Result: 2 - 2

Goal Scorers: Callum, Miles

Squad/Formation: Only basic 11 available today, Jack J in goal and a back line of Dan, Jack C, Marley and Charlie, in midfield Miles, Phil, Brad and Sam, with Callum and Jonathan upfront. Having seen Callum play upfront for his school team, I decided to take the gamble and push him up, using Phil and Brad in central mid, with Jack C and Marley as centre backs for speed and strength.

This was our second match of the season against Kings Park Dynamos and our first meeting was a tight match, though Dynamos managed to take the win. The game started very evenly, with both teams battling well for position. After about 10 minutes of vigorous battling, we looked as if we were going to break the deadlock, as Callum crossed a ball in from the right, across the face of goal, for Sam to meet with a header, but unfortunately found the side netting. Moments later, Jack J was tested with a close range, scrambled shot, but blocked well. A few minutes later, we got caught out as Dynamos fired a shot from the right corner of the box, beating Jack at the far post. We had an unsettled period around our box for around 5 minutes, where we were struggling to regain composure and not to concede a second, but then re-grouped and battled hard to try & find an equaliser.

Half-time: 0 – 1.

With no formation changes, we battled through the second half, with lots of long balls to Callum upfront, who was playing the ‘Crouch’ role, battling hard to receive balls on his chest or head. Our equalizer came as a counter down the left wing which was then switched into midfield just outside the 18yrd box, & then played into Callum who calmly tucked it past the Keeper. The battle continued & we took the lead, as Miles miss-hit a cross from the right, but thankfully the cross lobbed the keeper instead. Dynamos replied quickly with an equaliser 2-2. Both teams were now battling for the winner, with attempts at both ends. Jack J pulled off a first class save during a one-on-one with a striker, as he came out to close him down, his outstretched foot steered the goal bound shot, wide of the far post, keeping us in the game.

Final score: 2 - 2.

An excellent all-round performance from defence, midfield and forwards.

Man of the Match – Jack J.