Saturday 21st March 2015 @ Braemar Road

Erdington and Saltley 2 -0 Gloucester

Team: Harvey, Shaun, Brandon, Sam, Teon, Hayden, Marc, Tyrese, Troy, Kruize, Jermaine, Tristan, Cameron, Shilo, Kane

Goals – Troy and Tyrese

Braemar Road…we had started to forget what the place looked like! Yesterday was the first time that we’d played at “home” since December! It was good to be back, after all, we’d missed the luxurious surroundings! We’d been spoilt at Heartlands. Running water?! Anyway, back to the game…

With a lovely warm feel to the spring air, The Ton kicked off the first twenty minutes, choosing to play up hill first. Just like last week, we threw caution to the wind and played with an extra man up front, with Troy supporting Shilo in attack. Despite having much of the ball, we couldn’t make it count and the first third ended all square, with Gloucester proving a threat down the right, through their pacey winger.

We explained to the lads that we needed more fizz, more effort and more energy. Marc moved from defence to midfield to partner Kane, whilst Jermaine came in on the wing. These changes seemed to do the trick, with Jermaine causing havoc down the left and Marc and Kane controlling the centre of the park. At the back, Biggy slotted in next to Brandon and the two lads did a sterling job shutting out the quick and tricky Gloucester forward. Midway through the third, Jermaine wriggled his way down the left and swung the ball in. Arriving at the back post, Troy nipped in front of his marker to poke the ball away.

The second third was very much the point that we actually woke up and started to play football like we know we can. As mentioned, Marc and Kane were pulling the strings in the middle of the park, with Marc often picking the ball up from deep and starting the attacks, whilst Kane constantly burst forward to stretch the opposition defence. Although in it’s infancy, there were certainly signs of a promising partnership building up. Exciting developments as we enter the business end of the season.

The final third saw the reintroduction of Shilo and Tyrese, with the old timers showing their telepathic understanding of each other when they teamed up to score the second Ton goal. Captain Shilo burst down the left and cut in onto his right foot. Looking up, he thought about shooting, only to spot Tyrese making a lung busting run forward. Cooly slotting the St. Joe’s midfielder in, Shilo stood and watched as Tyrese expertly finished with the outside of his left boot. Great combination play. Well done boys.

Even though we created a many more chances, the Gloucester defence should be commended for their solid performance. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a back three be so commanding in the air. Every time we tried to switch play or play a striker through the middle, we were met with a commanding Gloucester defender. Well done boys. Also, as ever, their manners and temperament were perfect and they were a credit to their great district.

All round, a great display and advertisement for district football.

Man of the Match – Marc: It’s no coincidence that our best spell of the game came when Mr Witty pushed up into the centre of the park. Commanding throughout and at the heart of many attacks.

Well done boys. Bring on Wednesday!

Up The Ton!