Interwood 0 v 1 Parsonage
Echo League: Essex
Played Sun 4 Dec 2005
After our excellent start to our current league campaign, this was the game above all matches that I was dreading. Interwood have the reputation of being a strong aggressive outfit and as our midfield isn’t physically very strong I feared the worsted that Interwood would be powering through our midfield, putting lots of pressure on our back line. Coupled with the fact that this was our first game without our striker, who has joined the ranks of Spurs, Jack Lawrence being on holiday, Callum O’Sullivan nursing a foot injury and a new squad member playing in his first ever match, I think I had reason to possibly fear the worsted.
As feared Interwood came out guns blazing and for the first 5 minutes dominated the game as Parsonage struggled to compete with the sheer power and determination from the Interwood players. Interwood had one shot comfortably saved by Conner Kain and had a couple of half chances that were put wide. Slowly Parsonage got into the game, and after 10 minutes were competing well and trying to knock the ball about with confidence. Parsonage were gaining in confidence as the half went on and although we never created any clear cut chances, except for a Ryan Mallett free kick that just went over the bar, we were pegging back Interwood in their own half for long periods and were taking the game to Interwood.
The second half saw Parsonage continue to keep Interwood in there own half and up the tempo further. Callum O’Sullivan had an effort saved and a Ross Cope shot went inches wide. Midway through the second period an Interwood played was robbed of the ball, on the left just inside the Parsonage half, by Ross Cope who bombed down the wing and hit an inch perfect low cross into the path of the advancing Ryan Mallett, who smashed home from close range.
We expected Interwood to now rally but it was Parsonage who were still on top with another Ross Cope effort going just wide and a Keith Ragon shot that went inches over the bar. In the final five minutes Ryan Grigg got injured and could take no further part in the match, and as the Parsonage team were forced into changes Interwood rallied, but great defending like always from the Parsonage rearguard kept Interwood out. Finished 0.1 to Parsonage.
At last today our midfield battled and showed the determination and will to win the ball in the middle of the park that has been missing this season. New signing Jack Clark made a tremendous debut at left midfield and his determination and hunger seemed to inspire others to follow. A neutral would never have known he hadn’t played for us before as he slotted into the team like he had played for us for years. Having a natural left footer in the team freed up Callum O’Sullivan to play on the right, who despite carrying an injury played his best match of the season. The ever improving Ross Cope was everywhere again today and Keith Ragon, Ryan Grigg and Jack Bearman were immense again at the back like always.
Like previously stated Interwood are a strong, physical side, who quiet rightly play to there strengths. Its easy to see how lesser teams crumble to their sheer power and aggression. That said Interwood still play attractive football and I expect them to do very well in this division, which Halil can be proud of, because this is their first season in the Echo League and they have adapted very well. Overall a good game to be involved in, well refereed and supported by both sets of parents.
Parsonage Team
Kain, Bearman, Cope, Mallett, Grigg,
O'Sullivan, Ragon, Clark,