Pre-season friendly #3

Weston 1 - 3 MPS Newton

Our third game in the build-up to Division 1 was a friendly against Weston. We played a 4-4-2 formation, but it was more like a 3½-4½-2 when Weston gave us lots of time and space to move the ball.

We looked very good in the opening phase, moving the ball from side to side, playing to feet and forcing Weston to chase the ball. Our new blood, Chris, Pedro and Steve C (yes, another Steve) all played confidently and well.

Our patient build-ups in the first half started to yielded results, and Steve Shea, Karsten and Chris all had decent chances that missed the target. We broke the deadlock when Pedro swung in a dangerous cross from the right that landed in the six-yard box. Karsten stretched and barely made contact, but Samuel bundled in at the far post. Shortly afterwards Samuel had another opportunity on the left side but shot wide from close range.

Ten minutes from the end of the half Chris played a ball over the Weston defence (it wasn't all passing to feet) for Bardot to run onto. Weston had expected an offside decision, but Bardot simply ran through and rifled in a shot from 15 yards.

Weston kicked off the second half, played a few passes, then lost the ball in the middle of the pitch. Karsten collected the loose ball, rounded a player or two, played the ball off to Pedro on his right, got it back and slotted past the keeper - the half was less than a minute old. The play then slowed down a lot as Weston played more defensively. Chances were few and far between, but Pedro had a lovely chip from right of centre and 25 yards out that the keeper did exceptionally well to stop dropping into the corner.

Weston did have a decent chance to get onto the scoreboard when Kirk played a back-pass that went narrowly wide, but were rarely dangerous. With about 15 minutes remaining they managed to score a breakaway goal, Samuel (playing in goal now) just failing to make contact with the scuffed shot. I'm sure Bardot hit the post late in the game too, but can't recall all the details.

Overall a good result, but we can expect sterner opposition when the new season starts.

Squad: Mike O, Tim R, Kirk, Ivan, Pap, Steve C, Chris, Steve G, Steve S, Andy, Pedro, Bardot, Karsten