Castle Brom 27-03-11

Ravens 0 – 1 Castle Brom

1^st v's 2^nd and our 1^st chance to seal promotion which a win today would have done. Castle Brom needed a win if they were going to win the league as Wychall and Knowle are still hot on our tails chasing promotion.

Castle Brom came out of the blocks quickly and they seemed physically more up for the game as they packed the midfield with big lads. We could have been behind when their lad got in on the right and sliced his shot wide. At the other end there were early signs that this could be a frustrating day. Phil blasted a right foot shot wide as Bri and Fred offered support.

The game’s only goal came the way you would imagine in such a tight and scrappy game. We had 3 chances to clear the ball before the player smashed it past Josh. Shortly after they had another shot from distance that flicked the top of the bar. We had started very slowly in all over the park but Freddy chased lost causes to win us throws and corners where Bri crosses were causing problems.

Ish had a shot blocked as we got on top and then Phil had a shot that was flying in but bounced off a defender and then into the keeper who saved again. Fred and Bri just not force the ball home.

The 2^nd half was much better from us as we showed some fight and seized control. The Castle Brom keeper was much the busier from here on in. The best of the action saw Fred force a couple of saves and then Josh D's long throws and Bri’s corners bounced around the box as we just could not force the ball home.

The best chance came at the death when Bri’s corner was handled. His penalty was well saved by the impressive keeper and Fred’s rebound hit the post. Tom made a good save at the other end before we were back on the attack again. Our final chance came when Josh’s throw was flicked by Fred. The ball seemed to be going in but Bri did not know this and he tried to divert it home, only to head the ball inches wide.

The whistle went and we narrowly missed out on sealing promotion today in a game that probably deserved to be a draw.

One game to go and a win will seal promotion as today other results went in our favour. We have a chance of being champions too but this will depend on other results in the coming weeks. Our job is to win this final game and get promoted which would be a sensational achievement when you consider we came from division F.

Steve