Abberley 2nd XI 3
Packwood 2nd XI 3
Great fortitude exemplified the 2nd XI's performance today as they fought back from a 3-1 defecit to earn themselves a draw. After Packwood struck the post in the early skirmishes we settled down and competed for the ball with growing success. The stalemate was broken when Patrick D. heaved the ball up-field, the Packwood goalie fumbled and Sam W. like a frenzied ferret followed up to put the ball firmly into the back of the net. We looked comfortable with a 1-0 lead and pressed forward at times. But that was our undoing: the back four lost their shape momentarily and Packwood exploited the hole left behind. 1-1. And then from a corner we were tardy in our marking and allowed Packwood another scoring chance, which they took gleefully. Half-time arrived. Words of encouragement, pearls of wisdom and much fist clenching while oranges were consumed. Perhaps Packwood's half-time words were better chosen as it was they who scored next. Yikes! 3-1 down against Packwood away from home. Then our Euro bail-out arrived in the form of Lucas. He skipped down the right flank evading four would-be tacklers, crossed the ball and Angus struck. Goal!! The spirits were lifted, the back four repelled all attacks, the midfield worked their socks off and Diego scored our third from a well timed pass from Lucas. 'Gracias amigos!' The final minutes ticked away agonisingly slowly and much relief was felt when the final whistle sounded. Jack W. and Captain Toby C. were outstanding at the back as was Patrick D. in midfield but every player contributed magnificently to this match. It was a happy bus that trundled back down the A49.