Post Game Blog

After Fridays disappointment I was once again looking to the group to see how they reacted and if they had learnt anything from the last game.  I am pleased to say that the response from the group was excellent and without a doubt the best 90 minutes we have played this season.  After conceding 2 early goals in our 2 defeats this season it was very important that we started the game strong both physically and mentally to get us off to a good start.  I was disappointed to be going into halftime at 0-0 as another 1v1 opportunity had fallen to Rudolph but again a lack of composure in front of goal saw a poor shot hit straight at the GK.  The stats once again showed a reluctance by our team to take shots despite us being in good positions so when we do have opportunities we have to make them count.

The second half started with Liberty pushing for the opening goal and dominating possession.  There are always times in games when teams will find themselves under a wave of pressure sometimes for prolonged periods so it was important that we got through this first 10 minute spell without conceding.  We did just that with some last ditch tackling and mental toughness.

We had spoken at halftime that to break the deadlock we needed that little bit of quality in our service and something special to get that goal.  It came from Higgins as he beat his marker out wide and for the first time in the game we had the quality service in the final third that we lacked in the first half.  A great cross and Rudolph sprinted almost 30 yards into the box and headed the opener at the far post.  We know he can score goals but so far he had lacked that killer instinct in front of goal but this was a strikers goal and you could see the weight had been lifted off his shoulders as his confidence grew.  It was only a short time later with a free kick 25 yards from goal that Rudolph had an opportunity to double his tally and ours.  He has worked this week on his free kicks after practice so I was especially delighted for him when he found the net with a strike that curled round the wall and went in off the post.

During the last 25 minutes we once again found ourselves under pressure as Liberty pushed for a goal to get back in the game.  Our defense stood firm and JP made some great saves to keep his clean sheet the first of his career.  This was a great team performance with everyone playing they part as subs coming into the game made an impact and players who played most of the game dug deep to find that extra energy to see us over the finish line.

One thing is for sure, the ride home when you win is a lot easier and the mood in the camp is fun to be around.  It was great to be a part of today's performance.

Magic Moment of the Day
Hearing the final whistle and getting the Win.