Colloids 0 v 1 KCC Knights

Colloids 0 v 1 KCC
Knights

We played
another top of the table team Sunday (most teams we have played recently seem
to be ‘top of the table’) in KCC Knights. We went into the match without a
recognized striker and another new partnership at the heart of the defense. Added to this,
3 of the squad dropped out just before kick-off!  Luckily Lele came and new signing Xavi was
also on the bench. It was good to see big Nick back for his first game of the
season and James, who started this season well at right back but hadn’t been
available for a while. Maz also returned after missing a few matches. The build
up was relatively subdued possibly due the late kick-off, several hangovers and
Mich not being around.

It was no
surprise that KCC, who looked and sounded much more up for it even before
kick-off, dominated proceedings. Despite them having more possession, they
didn’t cause us too many problems other than from the inevitable free kicks
from around the box, the first after just 5 minutes coming back off the upright
before being hacked away and another couple not far off target. We defended pretty
well and in numbers but were far too hurried when in possession, often forcing
passes and quickly losing the ball. Our best effort in the first half by a mile was when James connected with a brilliant volley from a clearance just outside their box but it just dipped over the bar after looking for a second that it was going in. Just when it looked like we’d go in level,
less than a minute before half time we conceded with a real sucker punch. Ale
was dribbling in the box, looking to make space for shot one minute, the next
the ball was hacked clear and an unmarked KCC forwards raced onto the end of it
for an easy finish past Jack. What a terrible time to concede a goal.

We changed the formation at half time because Ale was too isolated against a very
physical back 4 so 4-1-4-1 changed to 3-5-2 for the first time this season,
with Moe and Mark playing wingbacks and Hamaad moving up top with Ale. The
second half saw Oids produce some better passing football and the game was
pretty evenly balanced until we really started trying to force the game that
made us more vulnerable on the counter. Our best chance of the match came from
Mark’s thunderous free kick that was deflected onto the bar. Moe looked our most dangerous player going fowards. Jack made a great
save when one of their forwards was through on goal.

Overall the 1-0
was probably a fair result because they were a physical, direct and organized
team that we found difficult to break down. Probably the best team we’ve played
this season other than French Kiss. Everyone worked very hard but we couldn’t
produce the type of flowing football we’ve been playing recently for the
reasons already mentioned. Apologies to Lele for not getting on but the match
was very tight until the end and as usual, decided by the one goal. Unfortunately,
the defeat leaves us without a win in 4 matches but a decent chance to get back
to winning ways in the cup next week.