I was bitterly disappointed to see us go in at half-time 1-0 down following a couple of unlucky ricochets from a throw-in and slow reactions to the loose ball. I meant what I said during my half-time team talk that we had switched off for their goal, and that at times our closing and marking was far too ragged. I asked for a reaction going in to the second-half. I asked for tighter marking, I asked for more play on the floor, I asked for quicker crosses and everything else that I asked for I got during the second period.
Our incisive passing and clever movement became much more ruthless and efficient following the re-start and we soon got our equaliser after a clear infringement on Andy Thornes as he attempted to challenge for a throw-in in the opposition penalty box. Referee Robert had warned the BAM team only moments earlier for a similarly strong challenge on Andy and there were no complaints when he made his penalty decision. Simon Mesner stepped up and dispatched the penalty with confidence.
The penalty drama in this game didn't end there. Following a lunging tackle by Neil Gardner in our own box (Neil DID indeed win the ball but the ref clearly decided he took more than just the ball out of the challenge), Lee Clifford snatched the spotlight with another crucial save, palming away the penalty kick with two strong hands. Lee, as has become expected of him, put in another excellent performance in between the sticks for us tonight.
Our back four lost it's shape at times, which in fairness was to be expected with some people having to play out of position. Thanks go to Phill A, Phil C and Stuart for taking responsibility at the back when playing out of position, and all three did all that was asked of them and more. In particular, Phill A again proved what a calm and composed player he can be, often looking to play the ball out of the centre of defence with that very effective left boot of his. Phil C often found himself chasing shadows, but when confronted with the prospect of a striker getting past him and in to the box, Phil attempted a sliding challenge as his last resort. Thankfully it happened wide of the 18-yard-box, but I still suspect he might feel a bit aggrieved to have received a yellow card. Had it happened anywhere more centrally, or heaven forbid in the box, I suspect Phil may have seen red in more than one way!
Our second, and crucial winning goal, came thanks to a quick break down the left. Dean Marney played in a sumptuous cross along the edge of the BAM six-yard-box. Andy Thornes, who had come haring in to the box from deep, was very unfortunate not to connect with the ball and claim what surely would have resulted in a goal. Luckily for me I followed up his run, and found myself presented with the ball, six yards out, and all that was left for me to do was to get my foot through it and place it back across the goal from the closing defenders.
On reflection, we deserved the victory again tonight. We were very dangerous from set-pieces, with Man Of The Match Steve Spurdens sending in some delightful crosses. We could easily have snuck in a couple of goals from such situations, and a heavier scoreline in our favour would not have been unfair.
As I have said before, it's not just the victory that is so thrilling, but it's the manner in which we now go about playing the game. Simple but effective balls out of defence, 1-2s in midfield, running in to channels up front, and most importantly creating and converting chances. All of this adds up to the fact that we are playing some brilliant football at times, and as a consequence we continue to pick up victories in such satisfying style.
Well done all on another fantastic night of Accies action!
Keep the faith!
Joe
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