Match Report for away game vs Grimsby - Saturday 2nd September 2006

Well after Grimsby travelled to Leicester twice last season we were very happy to be able to travel over to them on an international weekend.
Although having said this the size of the squad seemed to decrease by the day to the point we only had 11 players on Friday night and we needed everyone to turn up!

One of those eleven never turned up on Saturday morning and this not only lead to us having just 10 players, it also meant 3 of our players were late to the game (myself included). The three of us that arrived late had to get the LCFC kit on and then just run on to the pitch for kick-off. No warming up required apparently. Grimsby had given us a player to make up the eleven which was really great of them. Kev B was the lucky one to be "given the gloves" for this game - only there weren't any gloves so he could stand there in goal and get cold and wet without even the help of gloves to keep him warm! So with that our team was as follows Kev B in goal (without any gloves), Nathan K at right back, Bernie M at left back, Phil B and Luke F in the middle of defence. The midfield was Ryan (Grimsby player) on the right, Chris S and Ronn M in the middle with James K (making his league debut) on the left. Up front we had Luke H and Sam S. A good solid team and the fact we had no subs probably worked in our favour in the end.

The game started with us kicking off (due to the fact that Phil Bray proved he is a bad tosser). We knew as a team we had to battle hard but we also knew that we had a good team out there and if we played football like we can do we could get a result. The game pretty quickly settled with both teams having a go and attacking in numbers. And after a few minutes Phil quickly decided a change to the formation was required. Grimsby had a very quick striker who looked Greek, yelled like a Greek and dived like a Greek who was causing problems with his pace - so pace was required at the back to cover him. Phil decided to play Bernie at sweeper and then have Nathan, Luke and himself in front of Bernie covering the wings if required. Nathan was to stick out the right and Luke F and Phil B were to mark the two Grimsby forwards. Bernie to stay free all the time. This seemed to work very well. The defence were being helped out very well by Chris S, Ronn M, Ryan and James K. Even the two up front in Sam and Luke were defending from the front and giving the Grimsby players no time at all on the ball. This always makes those in the defence relax a bit when they know everyone is doing their bit to help the team perform well. We didn't have to defend all the time though and we were causing more of the problems up front with the pace and skill of Sam and the pace of Luke. With two excellent centre midfielders in Chris and Ronn, they were able to play the ball either into the corners or through the middle knowing that Sam and Luke would be on hand to collect the ball. James and Ryan were also helping by getting wide on the flanks and everyone seemed to be showing for the ball and calling for it to. It was one of the few times I can say that when anyone had the ball there was almost always two options of what they could do with it - and if they had to kick it out, they were told to do so by their team mates warning them of any danger. The first few chances at goal fell to the Internet Foxes with great lead up work and very strong play by Sam meant he got a shot on goal. Unfortunately the Grimsby keeper came out and blocked the shot. He did the same not long later to Luke H. There were also a couple of other half chances with either the keeper coming out quickly to just collect the ball first or the Grimsby centre halves pulling off some excellent cover tackles. We did win a “dodgy” free-kick early in the first half but Knighty’s free-kick was pretty woeful really and it came to nothing. Phil Bray wasn’t having the best of times getting a knock twice in the same place in similar challenges and then having one of the strikers stand on his foot.

Grimsby were also attacking with speed as the ball zipped around on the wet turf. At one such point with the ball just outside the box Nathan K clipped their possibly Greek striker. I think every player heard the incredible yell as he hit the ground and looked in pain. Unfortunately for him their referee didn't see anything in it and allowed play to go on. It was actually a free-kick but what a yell / dive. John the Greek would be crying on the sideline he'd be so proud.

Grimsby had a considerably strong wind behind them in the first half as well as a bit of a slope and that was helping them quite a bit - especially when their keeper kicked the ball down field. It went a long way and the bounce was bad as well (if we let it bounce). Our clearing headers often were a bit poor and put us under some pressure.

From one goal-kick the ball bounced past Luke F, the Grimsby striker then winning a 50/50 with Bernie and with Phil B coming over to cover the Grimsby striker took a shot which was brilliantly tipped wide by Kev B who wasn't wearing any gloves. Personally I thought the ball was going wide anyway. We dealt with the corner well and got the ball clear. Not long later Sam had another chance to score but once again the ball just didn’t sit right for him and Grimsby were able to clear. It looked like it might be a low scoring game with both teams defending well but it was a set piece that broke the dead-lock. And it was Grimsby who took the lead. They had won a corner and the ball was crossed in low and hard. Nathan K made an absolute meal of a clearance meaning the goal was his fault. The ball went way up in the air. Kev B who had no gloves stood there and just stared at the ball – perhaps he was hypnotised or something? The Grimsby possibly Greek striker just stood there in a similar daze. Unfortunately for us the ball just hit him on the head and there was no where else for it to go except in the back of the net. 0-1 With it getting near the end of the half and knowing we had the wind and slope in the second half we would have been happy to only concede the one goal. 0-1 at half time wouldn’t have been all that bad. But our team had different ideas. With another Grimsby attack broken up the ball was played back to Bernie from the midfield, he hit a first time (left footed) pass with his left foot (and it was first time too), this went to James Knight who then set off on a great run down the left. He played the ball past their right back and kept running. He then played the ball inside to Sam. Sam got his foot on the ball, turned inside and then put a right footed shot into the back of the net. 1-1 and well deserved as well. This had all started from a first time left-footed pass. Pretty impressive really. Not much more happened after that in the first half and the referee blew the whistle for half time. The half-time team talk was pretty much asking for more of the same from everybody. The commitment up to now had been fantastic. Grimsby swapped players at half-time and the referee came over and played for us. He slotted in at right midfield again and his name was Matt.

We knew in the second half we had both the wind and the slope with us. This could have worked against us as we may have tried too many long balls as that can always be very tempting to do in those conditions. We didn’t fall into that trap and continued to play some great football which once again started at the back and always went through the midfield outlet. It wasn’t long into the second half before we took the lead. This was pretty much a solo effort with Sam getting the ball over on the left wing. He cut inside and was given a lot of room by the Grimsby defence. They basically invited him to shoot so he accepted the invitation and blasted the ball into the top right corner. Their excellent keeper had no chance. 2-1 up and going strong. We now had something to hold onto and we were going to do our best to keep that lead and add to it. The game continued to flow from goal area to goal area and Grimsby were by now pushing on a bit more with both their wingers adding to the attack. They were hitting us on the break as well and had a few chances but either our defence cleared the ball or Kev managed to save the ball with no gloves / kick it to safety. Sam and Luke were still having chances up front with the Grimsby keeper having to save a few shots by coming out and diving at their feet. He was keeping Grimsby in it.

We kept going for goal and Luke H had a chance to give us some breathing space when he got through on the right. He shot at goal but the keeper made another great save and the ball came off of him and hit the crossbar. Unfortunately the rebound just didn’t fall right for Sam who was following up. This could have been key because five minutes later Grimsby were to score again but it wasn’t a conventional goal by any means. The ball was cleared out to one of the Grimsby midfielders who decided to have a speculative effort. The ball once again looped in the air very very slowly and Kev seemed to have it covered only for him to slip over and watch the ball slowly slowly fall into the back of the net. 2-2 and I felt sorry for the ground after Kev (who had no gloves) had punched it so hard a few times in frustration. Everyone told Kev not to worry about which was great to see. We would obviously have to get him some new boots as well as gloves for the next game.

No one let their head drop though and no one seemed to tire. Far from letting Grimsby back into the game we managed a final push for the last 15 to 20 minutes. The first to come close to a goal was Knighty who was having a stormer out on the left. He once again went on a great strong run and with the keeper coming out to narrow the angle his shot was unfortunately skewed wide. We also won a free-kick which Luke H took and it was as bad as Chris Foster’s at Worldnet. He’s obviously been learning from the wrong people. Ronn M had an opportunity (well two actually) when he found himself in a bit of space. His first attempt at goal was pretty atrocious but was blocked by the Grimsby defender. Fortunately the ball came back to Ronn and at a good height for him to volley the ball quite a fair distance wide – but he was getting closer! Grimsby were having their chances too and were by now attempting long shots / crosses that they knew might trouble Kev in goal – especially as he had no gloves. By now it was starting to rain pretty heavily as well. But from now on after that slight slip-up Kev started to punch anything that came near him – and punch well as the ball always went well away from goal – which helps. Grimsby had another attack coming down their left and our right and with one of their players seemingly through on goal Bernie slid in and won the ball, got up and then cleared it. This was in the area so had he mistimed it at all Kev who was playing without gloves would have had a penalty to contend with. We won a few corners – most of which were unnecessary but the Grimsby defender cleared the ball from practically out of their keepers arms. After a few tries we finally got one right and Luke H fired the ball in and Luke F trying to make up for being solely responsible for last weeks conceded goal volleyed / shinned the ball into the net. 3-2 up and 7 minutes to hold on. Grimsby were by now trying to throw everything at us but we won every 50 / 50 challenge and hit the ball long – usually into the corners for Sam and Luke to still keep running as they had done the whole 90 minutes. We defended very well as a team as we had done all match and Kev had no further saves to make. Phil B gave away his customary late tackle free-kick but we cleared the ball and after another failed attack by Grimsby the referee blew the full time whistle. A fantastic result by the team in the pouring rain. We were very grateful to Grimsby for lending us a player for the full game and that helped us a lot. Every single player had worked so hard and everyone had played as a team. It was a great result and well deserved. Grimsby were a very good side and a nice bunch of players as well. At the end of the game it looked like Phil B was going to burst into tears he was so happy with the result and so proud of every player. So the Internet Foxes remain unbeaten this season with two wins from two and have now won 5 of their last 6 games. The team goes from strength to strength and hopefully a few more players will be available in coming games.

Player Ratings with team appearances (we have now played 93 “games”)

Kev B (69th Appearance) – in case you hadn’t worked out in my report, Kev played in goal and didn’t have any gloves. For someone who never plays in goal his positioning was pretty good. He seemed to be a bit confused and keep forgetting he was a keeper as he often kicked the ball when he could have picked it up – but better safe than sorry. Seemed in a bit of a daze for the first goal as he watched the ball hit the head of their striker and needs new boots / studs after the second goal but a great performance from someone who is a good team player and was happy to go in goal when we basically had no other options!

Nathan K (12) – a solid defensive display as we always expect from Nathan. He was obviously totally responsible for Grimsby’s first goal but we’ll let him get away with that. Reassuringly he seemed to know where the out line was today and didn’t seem to kick the ball over it so much. Very composed on the ball and can distribute it well. Worked well down the right with the two players Grimsby lent us. Was able to make some very strong tackles and never seems to pull out of a 50/50 challenge winning most of them. Viciously took out the opposition possibly Greek striker and did it very well as the referee didn’t see it.

Luke F (11) – Another all round performance from Luke. Very solid at the back and good in the air. Excellent shinned goal which he had no control over – was still in the right place. Needs to work on his headed clearances as they went a bit off course in this game. He must have been watching Phil B. I don’t know how many times I have told him not to listen to / learn from Phil B and or Chris F! Another player that is often composed on the ball and can then get the midfield involved. We need a few more defenders like that!

Phil B (72) - Another inspiring perfomrance from the team captain. Constantly getting everyone going. Making lots of noise and positive comments to support the team. Made a good decision to change the team formation early on. Did well as a centre half winning a lot of headers - especially in the first half and making some key clearances. Needs to stop giving away silly free-kicks in dangerous positions (he's been watching Chris F too). Special meniton as I'm pretty sure in this game he made two clearances where the ball actually went straight.

Bernie M (83) - This player has just got better and better as the years have gone on and that is really hard to believe it was possible as he was so damn good in the first place. He has slowly moved back from attacking positions to now being the last line of defence. Seems to be able to be in the right place at the right time and make challenges when they are needed. Can time them right as well which always helps. Is starting to learn that Phil B can be a bit of a Titus Bramble and thus knows to compensate for that. Actually that is a great insult to Phil B. Made a goal saving tackle at a crucial time as we know that Kev with no gloves wouldn't have done much. A great performance and worth waiting for him to turn up late.

James K (2) - First league appearance having played at Worldnet recently. This was a great debut performance by the big tall strong attacking player. I would call him a striker but he is shit in front of goal. Set up the first goal with a great run down the left and scared the hell out of their right midfielder every time he got the ball. Did a great deal of tracking back and defending to help out the team and had a great all round game. Still can't shoot to save himself though.

Chris S (82) - One good thing about only having 10 players was that Chris finally got to play in his favourite position!! That doesn't happen too often. He made the most of it distributing the ball well to the wingers and our two strikers. He always seems to have loads of time on the ball which is supposed to mean that a player has a bit of class. I think in this case it was more luck than anything else. Chris got stuck in and made a lot of interceptions in midfield, something else he is good at doing. Had a good game but could have run around a bit more. I mean he's only almost 3 times the age of Luke F, Nathan K and Sam S (sorry Chris).

Ronn M (15) - Another key player in the midfield. Ronn is very strong in the air which makes a big difference. This helped a great deal in the first half with the ball being banged up the field by their keeper. Ronn is also good at distributing the ball and can look up (which a lot of our players can't do) and then usually pass it to one of our players. He does make a habit of passing it to one of the opposition players on the odd occasion but we'll let him get away with that. He also gets himself into goalscoring positions as he gets into the box for crosses and while just outside the box isn't afraid to have a go. One of these days one of his shots will be on target!

Luke H (27) - Another good performance from our star striker. He didn't put the ball in the back of the net but he did get very close to scoring. Teams that have played us before see Luke and aren't happy because they know he will run at them all day and never give them a moments peace. Not only does he get into goalscoring opportnities he creates them as well and he works well with his strike partner. Of course with the goals to game ratio that he has we expect more of him and coming away from a game without a goal to his name is not acceptable. He better try harder next time. I mean in 27 games he has only scored 44 goals - what kind of a record do you call that??

Sam S (2) - Playing in only his second game he is starting to build a reputation like Luke H for scoring goals. He now has four goals in two games and we hope he can keep up his goalscoring record in future fixtures. He is a great all round player with a lot of potential. His first touch is brilliant and he can take players on at will. He has a great shot on him and an eye for goal. He reminds me of me when I was younger so many years ago. A great addition to the squad that we'll soon be expecting a goal a game from.