What a game of football we were treated to today; full of excitement, determination and nerves right through to the final whistle.

Having a full squad available this week gave us the flexibility to start in a 2-4-2 formation. We were quick to recognise that DLFC liked to play early balls forward into their quick wide players, which meant our own wide players had to show a bit more defensive discipline than usual.

In the opening stages, DLFC probably enjoyed more of the attacking play, but it was their goalkeeper who was the busier of the two. We countered well and tested him with several routine efforts from distance.

The game soon developed into a real battle. Henry and Isaac in particular were on the receiving end of some very physical treatment, with few free kicks awarded despite some very strong challenges. Henry did eventually earn one and took it himself, forcing the keeper into another save.

The breakthrough we’d been waiting for arrived just before half-time. Some good work down the left from Isaac won us a corner, which Joey delivered perfectly to the back post for Jett to tap home. 1–0 to the Reds.

Unfortunately, our lead lasted less than a minute. A long DLFC punt forward caused a rare mix-up between Noah and Oz, allowing the opposition to equalise just before the break.

It was a disappointing way to end the half, despite plenty of hard work and commitment. Jett worked so hard he even asked to be withdrawn after a typically busy first-half performance, having covered a huge amount of ground.

Despite the late setback, we started the second half positively and full of energy. Archie and Joey worked tirelessly on the wings, while Sam, Henry and Ernie were strong and aggressive in the tackles. We were now on top, though DLFC remained a threat on the counter, meaning Jesse and his defence had to stay alert.

Pressure began to build as we forced multiple shots and corners, with several potential free kicks around the box waved away. Joey delivered another superb corner, with at least three Ravenshead players inches away from getting the decisive touch.

We then lost Sam to a foot injury following a strong tackle. Before that, he’d put in a disciplined performance, shielding the defence well. Josh came back on in his place and immediately brought his energy and intensity to the game.

Our second breakthrough finally came after a scrappy but determined passage of play. Emmanuel and Isaac battled through several strong challenges before the ball fell to Henry, who was fouled on the edge of the area. This time the whistle went, and Joey stepped up to curl a lovely free kick beyond the keeper’s reach. 2–1 to the Reds midway through the second half.

From there, it was about managing the game, staying defensively solid while still looking for chances to extend the lead. Jett returned after his rest to add fresh legs in midfield, Isaac dropped a little deeper, and Emmanuel worked the channels up front on his own.

Some resolute defending followed, however DLFC were awarded a free kick just outside our box. Jesse produced a brilliant acrobatic save, and then moments later followed it up with another flying stop to preserve our lead.

A recovered Sam was reintroduced to add defensive stability, with Isaac pushed forward as a lone striker to use his strength in holding the ball up. Unfortunately, he too was soon forced off with after finding himself in a sandwich of DLFC defenders who both tackled him forcefully from behind with no fouls given. Ernie was back on to see the game out with his own style of hold-up play.

Full time: a hard-earned 2–1 win for the Reds.

It wasn’t the tidiest game of football, but it was a fantastic one for the boys to be involved in. The effort, team work, work rate and determination from start to finish made the result all the more satisfying for them.

We spoke last week and in training about improving discipline in our positioning and decision-making, and that was clear to see today, particularly in midfield where we carried a good shape throughout. Joey deserves special mention for his first-half role in marking their key player in an uncharacteristically more defensive game for him.

Player of the Match: Jesse. He had little to do last week and no chance with the goals conceded, but today he stayed focused and delivered two outstanding saves when the team needed him most.

Thanks for the support everyone – see you all next week!

Ravenshead Reds FC

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