The last time we had visited this ground was about 10 years ago, we enjoyed it but could remember nothing. We arrived with 20 minutes to spare before the ball got rolling. We grabbed some chips and pop and chose a quite suitable viewing spot. During the jaunt we spied 40+ wildlife species - and a great hairy arsed punter who I am sure should be added to the British Ape List - I will call the correct authorities.
So, after the food was swallowed, the pop swilled and the feet placed in position, the ball began to roll and I rattled out the following text-based observations.
The first examination of a defensive set-up came via the away team who pushed and probed but were met with firm resistance. Cammell Laird responded with a move finalised by the cranial contact of their No 11 (Jack Darlington) whose pop at goal lacked the crucial 'oomph' factor. The game had good pace, both teams were radiating an 'attack-minded' ethos and I looked forward to witnessing the initial breakthrough real soon. The hosts began to grow into the game and show more purpose, Ashville though were a threat and their No 11 (Peter Morgan) was soon released but the first touch was poor and the end shot somewhat weak. Straight up the other end we went, a keeper error saw the ball go loose and roll into a position to be slapped home. The chance was not taken, a cross followed, was only half dealt with and up stepped No 10 (Ben Glover) and bagged the opening strike.
Ashville now needed to up the ante, No 10 (Mark Madden) could only manage a shabby shot and No 7 (Thomas Hewlett) had a pop soon after that was of similar quality. After a small break in play the Laird travelled forth again with Ashville not defending as a unit. A shot was blocked, the loose ball was not cleared and on the scraps fed No 7 (Joseph Brandon) who doubled his teams tally. This was a fair state of play, Ashville were guilty of not running off the ball enough when advanced flick-ons were being executed, a half-time talk was very much in order.
Prior to the break a bit of argy-bargy saw a few sequinned purses dropped and a couple of bizarre bookings take place. With a thermally raised feel to the game the final minutes dwindled out and were left with the home team looking set for a 3-point prize.
We had a wander for the break, looked at a bit of wildlife and swigged some refreshing pop. The weather was delightful, the game was still nicely balanced despite the guests being behind, I expected a comeback and maybe a draw come the end, this is what transpired.
A super quick start from the guests was just what the footballing gurus would have prescribed and that is exactly what happened. After a shot over the bar from the hosts Ashville responded with No 9 (Lewis Moynes) letting fly and forcing the keeper to save but not hold. The free globe was pounced upon and Hewlett halved the deficit - now then, this was interesting indeed. Ashville continued to pile on the pressure, a free kick was posted, the keeper was static and No 17 (Joshua Maldon) watched as the ball left his foot and nestle in the awaiting netting. It all seemed so simple, and now this game was anyone’s.
Madness ensued, some touchline onlookers got worked up into a frenzy, it seemed as though there was something in the Wirral Water after all, no wonder my balls were throbbing and turning blue - cripes. The clobbered Cammell lads looked to get to grips with matters at hand and avoid a looming disaster. A corner was won and neatly delivered but the No 1 (Jamie Owen) punched well and snuffed out all threat. A goal-kick soon followed, the home keeper made good contact but the ball was played straight back with the energy-saturated Moynes for Ashville chasing and having a poked shot that the mittman did well to save.
This was getting a tense affair, the visiting bunch were well up for grabbing the win, Cammell Laird were hanging in with the odd chance missed. Scrambling and surviving was the name of the game in both boxes as each team looked for the crucial lead goal. Ashville though slowly gained a grip, a squeeze was on, the next attack was swift and cutting with an overlap, a cross and Madden in the box showing quick feet but only sending the ball into the meat of the mittman's carcass.
The clock ticked forth, a few shots came at the Laird's goal, Moynes had a beautiful pop with the gloved guardian producing a glorious save. It wasn't long before the team with their peckers up were marauding forth again. The ball entered the zone marked 'hazardous'. Hewlett arrived and put in a header that went over the keeper and looked destined to land in the string vest - somehow it bounced wide. What a chance!
A throw came, Ashville raced away like ferrets from the trouser leg of Russell Grant. A shot came, it was scuffed but somehow found Hewlett who wasted no time in grabbing the lead goal. Those on the touchline who were fans of the guests duly went cracked, I was an admirer of a great turnaround but was not one to count any chickens just yet.
The closing stages galloped by, shots came either end, Cammell Laird had a penalty shout that saw a player booked for a Tom Daley impersonation. The final chugs saw No 8 (Joel Kelly) for Ashville have a glorious chance to nail the coffin lid shut on the home teams hopes but the shot that was neatly placed around the keeper rolled mere centimetres wide of the vertical. The referee halted play soon after - this had been some comeback and the Man of the Match must go to the man who played a great part in the footballing resurrection, namely No 9 (Lewis Moynes). Eternally committed, a bag of zealous energy and a constant buzzing threat – this was an exhausting and quality laden stint even a whizzed up pitman would be proud of – keep eating yer greens lad.
We shuffled off soccer-sated and ready to get home after a long but productive day.
FINAL THOUGHTS – Cammell Laird have a grand set-up here, much better than I remember and with a good feel to the place. The team worked hard throughout and during the first half were defensively solid and very good value for their 2 goal lead. The second half saw pressure build and get a little too much, for me a good hoofing of the ball out of play, a belief in getting a third goal and not sitting too deep would have saved much mither but these things happen and it must be a lesson learned. Ashville though came on mighty strong and after the previous weeks disappointment did mighty well to show some character and resolute belief and turn this game completely around. This comeback may just be the start of something special – it is these little nudges into the realms of utter conviction that can make for a successful season. They do need to work their knackers off though from the off and make sure the running off the ball is consistent and in-tune – maybe they should consider the aforementioned ferret and the fear of having a stargazers todger up their rear – that is enough to make anyone gallop like buggery – ooh me Zodiac.
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