25-01-09
Result 7-3
Pot Black eventually got back to playing the league since beginning of Dec due to County Cup games.
The weather was atrocious and it took a pitch inspection before the game could go on.
PB kicked off with the strong wind and rain on their backs and soon the pitch was turning into a bog. To their credit both teams were trying to play football and PB were in the ascendancy from the beginning of the match.
From a corner by Coops, Rory headed into the net to give PB an early lead. PB were completely in control and Rory scored a second with a neat finish into the bottom corner. PB continued to push forward although Lings were playing some neat football in mid-field and were catching PB on the break without causing and undue worries,
After more good work on the right hand side by Kieron and Rory, Coops backheeled the ball and Liam was left to show his skills as he rounded the keeper to put the ball into the empty net and give PB a 3-0 lead. After 30 mins, Rory completed his hat-trick and give a 4-0 lead and the game looked over. To their credit Lings' heads never dropped and with PB looking for a fifth and several players forgetting their defenceless duties, Lings added 2 quick goals and missed other chances that could have made the match closer.
Half-time came with the match finely balanced at 4-2 instead of what should have been game over.
Ben Strachan came on to replace Tom Miles at half-time. Tom needed to come off due to a very nasty 'limp' although many of his unsympathetic team mates thought he just wanted to go back to his hot water bottle!
The second half started with PB playing into the elements and with the rain and wind getting stronger the next goal was crucial and thankfully for PB it was their again with Liam’s speed causing havoc, he went through on goal and was brought down to gain a penalty. He got up to take it himself, only to hit a poor shot which the keeper saved but rebounded to Liam to hit into the net. This gave the impetus to PB and they continued to push forward and had several chances to kill the game off. With Ben changing position with Coop’s to play a holding role in mid-field to give a more holding role, Lings chances of catching PB on the break were of a rarity.
After more good work from Liam and Coop’s converted to kill the game off and give PB a 6-2 lead. With the wind and rain still hammering down, several players were longing for the final whistle. With 15 mins to go, Rory hit a low shot into the corner to give PB a lead of 7-2 and his fourth of the match.
There was still time for Lings to get a corner and with all the players in the box including their keeper, it was him who planted a header into the corner of the net.
Overall a satisfactory result in difficult conditions but PB will have to play better with all of their title challengers to play.
MOM
Dale Andrews, several goal stopping tackles in the first half and covering every inch of the pitch in the second half
Next Week, No game, team bonding session in Prague.
P.S a special mention must go to the vast number of supporters who battled the conditions to support their side. Chris 'Barman' possibly chose the worst match to watch his first Sunday game of the season and would like us to buy some gloves, balaclava's and thermal underwear out of the subs for the next match!!!
