Downing III 3-4 Pembroke III

To go out of the 3rd's Vase competition at this early stage was dissapointing, but the 4-3 result was close and the result of an exciting match. Our lads got off to a good start, having the better of the early possesion and chances, and it was unfortunate that none of them could be finished off before Pembroke got their first real opportunity which they put away well for 1-0. This provoked a great reaction from our lads, who pressed forwards strongly and in good numbers, which resulted in a well worked cross being headed home by Halliwell for 1-1. Two further goals, one for each side, completed an attack-orientated first half, with theirs coming from from taking advantage of a slip at the back, and ours the result of a superb cross from Shanika, which the opposing centre back couldn't prevent going in, making it 2-2 at the break.

The second half got off to a bad start, with the loss of possesion in midfield affording their striker to run at our defence and produce a decent finish from inside the area. The attitude and effort displayed by Downing was excellent though, continuing to press and attack with commitment even after a second unfortunate error from our newly formed defense saw a ball that should have been cleared end up in the back of the net to see us 4-2 down. There was still time for the comeback though, and despite the scoreline and one or two people taking knocks the lads kept going admirably, being rewarded for their efforts when Jamie Pollard volleyed home a defence splitting ball from midfield.

Cue a frantic last ten minutes as the lads gave it everything, but we couldn't quite find another goal before full time.

The game provided plenty of positives, with great effort shown, good performance from several players new to the team, and a few lessons learned for our next match.

 

Posted by: Peter Hanson