Arnold Reserves 1, Matrixgrade 2

Goal Scorers - (M) Dave Bell, Stuart Morris
 

Man of the match - Dave Bell

Ref - Jake Cottee 7/10

 

Xmas Bells

A good all round hard working performance from the Bees and a terrific show from mom Dave Bell who stood out from the crowd and gave a good account of himself , He’s starting to look a true Matrixgrade player on and off the field.

The Arnold side as expected put out a young but very good side, but I was very disappointed with the admin side of things. Our pre-match was completely ruined as up until 1.40pm we still didn’t know if the game was on or. off as their staff were trying to sort out a pitch for us to play on . Not something I would expect from a club like Arnold town.

With little warm up  It came as no surprise to find us a goal down early on albeit from some very slick one touch interplay which left our boys chasing fresh air. The ball finally fell to the impressive Christie who left our defenders on their back sides and coolly slotted home. (1-0 after 15 minutes). 

They could have gone two up but for a great save from Farmery at his bottom right corner. Our shape and discipline in the first half was was no where but we began to show our strength and gradually started to create openings. Macca cracking the x-bar on 30 minutes then m.o.m Bell let fly with a beauty destined for the top corner but a spectacular save from Murphy tipped the ball over. Just a couple of minutes later and Macca set up Bell with a peach of a through ball who slotted the ball under the oncoming Murphy. (1-1 after 40 minutes)

Our shape and discipline improved in the second period which improved our play generally. Arnold were still dangerous and was still creating openings . On 58 minutes Christie looked like he was through but a fantastic tackle from Smith kept him out. As the game wore on it looked like the game was slightly in our favour as the strength and experience showed. The pressure finally paid off towards the end after we won a corner which was floated in by Hassall. Morris rose higher than the rest to head home number two and what turned out to be a deserved winner. (1-2 after 75 minutes).

Well done men for the hard work put into this game bur remember we cannot afford another lack in concentration like we gave in the first 45. When we give you a formation we expect you to stick to it. Management make the changes and management only.

Tough game Saturday get your heads on and lets come out buzzing.