AFC Crowthorne Blackbirds 2 - 0 Maidenhead Magpies 'B'

A Josh A special & a cool Jack G finish see off stubborn Magpies

Blackbirds were a bit light in numbers for this later kick-off on with Chay unavailable, Charlie still out injured & Robbie err, well, has anyone heard from Robbie yet? Anyone?! So, on to the action & the previous two encounters had ended 2-0 to the sky blues which meant there could be no room for complacency if the Blackbirds were to continue pushing the league leaders. Luke tested the keeper early on with a clever backward header that was just touched onto the bar & Jack was also denied with a high looping shot which would have just ducked under the bar. Despite these efforts it was a scrappy affair with neither team really getting hold of the ball although the home team had the best of the possession & the visiting keeper saved well again from Kanes long shot after James had laid the ball off. It was heavy going for the front two of Will & Jack G as they faced a five man defence but they kept at it & the two flanking players, James & Josh A, were supporting well. Opportunities from corners were not being taken & at the break it remained 0-0.
Blackbirds were encouraged at half time to settle things down & to push further up the park although this did mean that John Jack P, Lyle & Josh H had to be on their toes for counter attacks which were fairly infrequent as Magpies stuck to their defensive guns. John embarked on a mazy run which culminated with a shot on target which was once again well saved. A change of formation to 4-3-3 reaped instant rewards as the previously unlucky Josh A dropped back from the front line & connected perfectly with a low shot into the left hand corner from 25yds that the keeper could do nothing about. The impetus was definitely with the home side now & both Kane & Luke saw shots from range either saved or flying just over the target. Nerves were settled when Jack G picked up a through ball & he picked his spot to give the keeper no chance. James had the ball in the back of the net but he was denied by the linesman's flag for what looked like a marginal offside call.

Player of the Match went to Jack G for never giving up & battling on to bag a well deserved goal!