CFC Shalford vs High Street Rangers
Braintree and North Essex Sunday League Division 1A buzz was certainly bouncing around the Shalford dressing room this week. It’s amazing what a win can do for a team which is a little unsure of its identity. By this I mean a team in a transitional period. A team still licking the wounds of last seasons survival battle, having lost the feeling of winning ways, but in the same breath, relishing on such a positive start to the season, knowing that as each game goes by the confidence grows stronger and the winning feeling gets addictive again.
High Street Rangers travelled to Shalford knowing that they were convincingly sitting at the top of the table having walked over teams to reach their dizzy heights. A team with a reputation you just so desperately wanted to knock out of them. A huge goal difference indicated they were sharp in front of goal. They didn't disappoint themselves as 10 minutes in to the game they were already 2 goals up. A slow start by CFC ensured that the visitors comfortably appeared to control the game so early on.
After recovering from the two body blows sustained, Shalford entered the game by applying the pressure where it hurt. CFC’s game plan was to use the width and pace of the wide midfielders, a plan they were confident with and pursued. It was this exposure that worked to their advantage and with the High Street defence turned on their heels, Bensley showed Rangers that they were in a game by skipping around the keeper, having intercepted a defensive hash, and confidently slotting the ball into an open net.
The confidence now shone through and a little belief could be seen through out the team. The tackles became a little stronger and more effective; personal battles were becoming victories for Shalford all over the pitch.
A pinpoint ball carved the High Street defence apart for the second time, seeing Bensley alone with the keeper, confidently Bensley slotted past him to bring the game to an amazing even keel.
Both teams duelled through out the remaining minutes of the first half, each having chances that could have controlled the game.
Half Time: CFC Shalford 2 High Street Rangers 2
As is all too common of the restarts, CFC were still in the changing rooms when High Street reminded them what they were about. A ‘wonder goal’ was produced from outside the box. This again jolted Shalford into consciousness but with a little bit less potency, CFC attempted to build on another come back plan. Although High Street were swift in their movement around the pitch they never really got to grips fully on this game, CFC were an unknown quantity now and were twisting and turning them in all directions to prevent them from settling.
High Street sat a little deeper so to assist their exposed back four.
Having had to make a few changes through injury, Rangers were looking to push and finish this game off.
CFC had their chances, a few attempts in front of goal saw the High Street ‘stand in’ keeper sweat a little when a free kick was just tipped wide of the post and a corner kick falling to Alex, headed directly at the relieved goalie.
As the game went on Shalford pushed more and more to level the scores, this however exposed them to the counter attack and as is in so many games, the punishing blows were to come.
A couple of late goals ended the game 2 v 5.
I don't believe that the score reflected the game in the slightest. It was much tighter than it would suggest. All be it a defeat, this was CFC’s first proper test of the campaign and it was very encouraging to see that the determination never disappeared. At 2 - 0 down I think a lot of teams would have crumbled, but CFC did just the opposite and almost reaped their rewards.
Full Time: CFC Shalford 2 High Street Rangers 5