Game Day Blog

With todays game being at 4pm we were able to rest up after breakfast and we ate our pregame meal at 12.30pm before leaving at 2.15pm for the field.  After FRiodays game we were without Andri Alexandersson having played everygame last year I nicknamed him Wolverine because of his ability to heal quickly but unfortunately this time it was just too much.  With Jonny Forrest also picking up a knock we would make a few changes to the starting line up and for some guys their chance to start and impress.

Unfortunately after a positive start to the game where we had 2 very good chances to take the lead, a header cleared off the line and another blocked shot both opportunities from Ranalli we would concede a goal after approx 15 minutes.  We spoke about a long ball over the top but unfortunately we were not able to deal with it properly and found ourselves a goal down.  Despite having possession and playing quite well with the ball we were just a little off our game especially defensively and getting tight to players not giving them time to play which has been a strength of ours this season.  Not sure if we were still thinking about NYC or we had some tired legs from Friday but  despite not playing that well we still created some good opportunities to score goals.  1-0 Half Time

Having not really imposed our style and tempo on the game in the first half it was encouraging to see how we started the second.  Instantly pressing the ball and forcing turnovers we camped out in their half but we couldn't find that breakthrough goal.  Struggling to connect that final pass, cross, shot in the final third and letting set play opportunities go away through poor service we pushed and pushed for that equalizer but it was one of those days.  Farhan Khan who drove the team on in the second half shot inches wide in the final minutes and a close offside call denied another opportunity.  All was in vain as the final whistle blew and our road trip would end in defeat.  All credit to them they got their goal and defended their lead stoically.

With the bus ride home we'll hopefully get back before midnight but before we put on a movie we were treated to a short performance on the bus with Eddie Painter on the Guitar and Jopus Grevelink on vocals which eased the pain a little from today's result.  The guys are up early tomorrow for our first training table breakfast at the Smith Center and then off to practice.  Probably a lighter session on the field but I know Dan will have them buzzing in the gym for our lifting session.

Raise High Moment of the Day
Simon and Garfunkel, I mean Painter and Grevelink.  Nice job by the guys could become a bus trip tradition.