Raven 1 – 2 Holy Name
Scorer: Logan
MoM: Josh W
Top of the table Holy Name came to the Rover and a good game was on the cards. Sadly that caught us on an off day and we never gave them much of a game as they had clearly turned up pumped up and motivated to achieving an important win toward their title ambitions.
Kori had got over his illness but turned up late so he was unable to start which was a blow to us. We had the wind and slope advantage in the 1st half which we did not use at all as we did not compete in the match until half time. Josh White was our saviour with an outstanding 1st half display to keep the ball away from Alfie. Rankin, Ish and Elliot offered eager support.
At the other end we were poor with sloppy passing in midfield and holding onto the ball for too long when a simple pass was on.
The 1st goal came after a succession of corners had seen us pinned back. On clearing the ball it bounced nicely for the forward who was in the clear. Alfie made a great save but the rebound was played against Ish’s arm and a penalty was awarded and scored.
Logan had our only real effort of the half with a tremendous 30 yarder that hit the top of the bar.
The 2nd half was a little better as we showed some fight. 2 or 3 good moves saw us create half chances. One fell to Liam but the ball would not settle for a shot and he was forced wide. Kori then had the same chance after nice passing but he cooly set the ball up for Logan to smack in the equaliser off the post. 1-1.
We were still under the cosh though and more corners and free kicks bounced around our box. Eventually the pressure paid as Alfie may have done better with a shot that crept under his body.
It looked as though we would equalise when Kori broke away but was scenically hacked down. It looked like a penalty but the ref gave a free kick on the edge of the box. Brians penalty was fumbled but saved.
We have Solihull this week and they have won their last few games and then Holy Name again for what could be payback.