11 Sep 2011 - FC Calne (H)

For our first home game of the season, we welcomed FC Calne to Ballards Ash. We started brightly enough with some good possession of the football. We earned 2 corners early on and were unlucky not to open the scoring. Calne's first corner saw Nat head well clear which set us up for a good break and again we were unlucky not to score from Billy's attempted lob. Further good work from Billy and Jack saw Jack shooting just wide. Calne were a physically bigger and stronger team, and after 14 minutes, on what was really their first meaningful attack they made that pay, with a powerful shot that James T got two good hands to, but was really unlucky to see the ball drop just into the goal.

James Y had some success down the left resulting in a good left footed shot. Charlie OBrien had been battling tirelessly in the centre of midfield, and it was time to give him a rest and introduce David. Once again Calne hit us on the counter attack and put them 2-0 up with a skilfully taken lob by their striker.

With half time approaching Charlie R went on a great run up the wing which he finished with a great shot, which was smartly saved.

Starting the second half saw a change in our formation, with Jack moving up front, bringing Billy back onto the left of midfield and James Y switching onto the right. We started strongly with the obvious intention of getting a goal back. A good run by Jack saw him beat the keeper but was denied by the post. A short time later Charlie OBrien headed brilliantly from a corner but was just inches too high. We kept battling and were rewarded when Billy scored from close range. We were really putting Calne under pressure now, with good corners from James Y, we just couldn't find the finishing touch. Calne then started to come back at us and James T who had been on top of his form all match made some good decisions and a couple of solid saves from Calne attacks. Charlie R and Nat were solid at the back and we got on top again, and finally got the score all level with Jack's well struck shot beating the keeper.

The remaining minutes were hard fought and although we had most of the possession could not find the winner, so the final whistle blew with the score 2-2.

Playing against bigger and stronger players and going 2 goals behind was a substantial test for the team, one which they stood up to and came out holding their heads high, and maybe even could have won the match.

Last modified on Monday 22nd June 2015 at 23:39