Cemtral City got back to winning ways with a fully merited 4-0 win away at Sidmouth Raiders on a beautiful sunny morning. It was a fantastic display of attacking football, full of energy, verve and some superb passing moves which were reminiscent at times of Barcelona and their tiki-taka!
The game could not have started in a more positive manner for City, a through ball from Julen enabling Alfie W to burst through and finish emphatically to make it 1-0. City continued to fashion chances, Dan making a great run on the left and Will P seeing a shot narrowly deflected wide. 10 minutes into the game and City extended their lead with some great work from Dan who got behind the defence and pulled the ball back to Alfie W. Despite having his initial shot saved, when the ball came back out to him he fired in a shot which crashed down off the bar. With both players and spectators unlike unsure if the ball had crossed the line, Dan remained alert and followed up to make it 2-0.
City continued to exert pressure on their opponents and nearly scored again as Julen narrowly missed from a half-cleared corner. However, it didn't take long for City to go 3-0 and what a delightful goal it was. Picking the ball up in midfiled, Dan jinked past a couple of defenders, switched the ball on to his left foot and finished with aplomb. City had further chances to add to the scoreline before half-time, Will P hitting the post from a quickly taken throw-in and the keeper tipping over the bar to prevent an own goal from a corner.
City went in to the second half with a commanding lead but with the slope against them. As in the first half, they scored almost straight from the kick off, Alfie R playing a lovely ball up to Alfie W who finished unerringly to make it 4-0. The remainder of the second half followed a similar pattern, City creating several more excellent chances and testing the keeper on numerous occasions. Will P had a great shot which the keeper managed to tip over, and both Dan and Alfie went close to claiming hat-tricks.
It was perhaps the most pleasing performance of the season from City, with several delightful passages of intricate passing and interplay, solid performances at the back from the whole team and great running and energy from midfield to support the attack. With a number of eye-catching performances across the pitch, choosing Man of the Match was no easy task but for his attacking play and brace of goals at the start of each half, the award went to Alfie Worth. Well done Alfie!
Saturday 30 November 2013
Thursday 28 November 2013
Sidmouth Raiders match on Saturday!!
Hello everyone
,
What a great training session we had last night so thank you all for working so hard and putting in as much effort as you did.
So we are playing Sidmouth Raiders on Saturday at their ground which is at Newton Poppleford.
See below for some basic directions.
They are mid table so far this season and will provide a nice test for us.
It would be great to get back to winning ways with a nice win!
So our starting team for Saturday will be:
Goalkeeper – Sam R
Defence – Oscar, Cameron & Will A
Midfield – Sam P, Will P, Dan & Julen
Striker – Alfie W
Starting Subs – Ryan, Alfie R & Joe.
The manager of Raiders told me that they play at Back Lane, Newton Poppleford.
Apparently ignore the signs saying the road is closed.
He said that the best thing to do coming from Exeter is to go through the village of Newton Poppleford go past Chinese and Italian restaurants, go down hill and then turn left into Back Lane.
Pitches are 300yards down this road.
Any problems I will try and get their nice and early so give me a ring on 07876018577.
** Also just to remind everyone that your support at the Tesco Bag packing on Sunday 8th December please as this is a major source of income for the club **
*** and finally……..remember to see Jonathan for tickets to the festive lunch after the home game on the 14th December!! Tickets going quickly so be quick!! ***
See you on Saturday ;-)
Tuesday 26 November 2013
Training focus - shooting!!
Hello everyone,
What a great game we had against Tiverton on Saturday boys, the effort and energy you all put in was anazing to see.
At training this week we will be focusing on shooting. It is the session that we had planned for last week but due to the wet and wild weather we changed the plans a bit.
Gloves and hats would be recommended for training.
See you tomorrow.
Mark
Saturday 23 November 2013
Tickets for Central Xmas Social
Tickets for the joint Central City / United Xmas Social on Saturday 14th December at 12.3opm in On The Waterfront will be available to buy at training on Wednesday and at the next match away to Sidmouth.
The cost is £9.95 per adult and £6.95 per child and includes a pizza buffet in The Long Room which has been reserved for our sole use. Please note drinks and dessert are not included in this price. Cash only please!
This is certain to be a great event and a lovely way of getting players and family together. Siblings are most welcome to join too.
As Mark has very kindly paid a deposit, please could we ask that you buy a ticket in advance so that we can confirm final numbers to the restaurant at least 7 days before the event.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact Jonathan on 07809 829 452 or email jonathan.d.lippman@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Xmas Social.
The cost is £9.95 per adult and £6.95 per child and includes a pizza buffet in The Long Room which has been reserved for our sole use. Please note drinks and dessert are not included in this price. Cash only please!
This is certain to be a great event and a lovely way of getting players and family together. Siblings are most welcome to join too.
As Mark has very kindly paid a deposit, please could we ask that you buy a ticket in advance so that we can confirm final numbers to the restaurant at least 7 days before the event.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact Jonathan on 07809 829 452 or email jonathan.d.lippman@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Xmas Social.
City pegged back in Tiverton draw
Central City had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw away to Tiverton in a match in which the away side racked up a host of chances but were ultimately made to pay for not making them count.
In a first half of almost incessant City pressure and dominance, it was virtually one-way traffic as the away team had a host of shots which flew narrowly wide or just over the bar. City were quicker, slicker and won almost every second ball in this period and could have easily gone into half-time 2 or 3 goals to the good. They fashioned an array of chances, with Will P, Cameron, Sam P and Joe all going close and the home keeper kept busy. One particularly fine piece of skill from Ryan, hitting a snap volley on the turn as the ball fell over his shoulder, drew gasps of admiration from the spectators and was reminiscent of David Platt's goal for England against Belgium at World Cup '90 (for younger readers, see this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtqiBAg2biw!!). Julen also came agonisingly close to opening the scoring, flicking on a Will P cross and seeing his shot go the wrong side of the far post.
The second half was more even, with City unable to keep up the relentless pressure and tiring as the game went on. Nevertheless, it was City who took the lead in somewhat fortunate circumstances as a corner from Will P crept in at the near post. Given all the near misses in the first half, it was certainly a deserved lead. Further chances went begging, with Will P making a lung-busting run from midfield, evading two challenges and firing just past the post and Cameron fashioning two chances which drew saves from the keeper. However, with almost their first meaningful shot of the match, Tiverton drew level with a shot from distance which sailed over Sam R and nestled in the back of the net. Whether the shot was intentional or not, there was nothing the keeper could have done to stop it.
City found enough energy to push for a winner in the closing stages but the nearest they came was when a Sam P shot was parried and Teo just failed to follow up before the keeper could fall gratefully on the ball. It would have provided a fairy-tale ending for Teo in his last ever match before his transfer to South London. It wasn't to be, however, and City had to settle for a point.
Man of the Match went to Will A for his tireless display at right-back, tackling strongly and distributing the ball confidently. Well done Will A!
After the match, Cameron made a presentation to Teo on behalf of the team to mark his final game in a Central City shirt. We hope that he enjoyed his time with City and that the team photo will take pride of place on his mantlepiece in his new home. Good luck Teo and keep following City on this blog!
In a first half of almost incessant City pressure and dominance, it was virtually one-way traffic as the away team had a host of shots which flew narrowly wide or just over the bar. City were quicker, slicker and won almost every second ball in this period and could have easily gone into half-time 2 or 3 goals to the good. They fashioned an array of chances, with Will P, Cameron, Sam P and Joe all going close and the home keeper kept busy. One particularly fine piece of skill from Ryan, hitting a snap volley on the turn as the ball fell over his shoulder, drew gasps of admiration from the spectators and was reminiscent of David Platt's goal for England against Belgium at World Cup '90 (for younger readers, see this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtqiBAg2biw!!). Julen also came agonisingly close to opening the scoring, flicking on a Will P cross and seeing his shot go the wrong side of the far post.
.jpg) |
| Will P takes aim with one of several City shots which narrowly missed against Tiverton |
The second half was more even, with City unable to keep up the relentless pressure and tiring as the game went on. Nevertheless, it was City who took the lead in somewhat fortunate circumstances as a corner from Will P crept in at the near post. Given all the near misses in the first half, it was certainly a deserved lead. Further chances went begging, with Will P making a lung-busting run from midfield, evading two challenges and firing just past the post and Cameron fashioning two chances which drew saves from the keeper. However, with almost their first meaningful shot of the match, Tiverton drew level with a shot from distance which sailed over Sam R and nestled in the back of the net. Whether the shot was intentional or not, there was nothing the keeper could have done to stop it.
City found enough energy to push for a winner in the closing stages but the nearest they came was when a Sam P shot was parried and Teo just failed to follow up before the keeper could fall gratefully on the ball. It would have provided a fairy-tale ending for Teo in his last ever match before his transfer to South London. It wasn't to be, however, and City had to settle for a point.
Man of the Match went to Will A for his tireless display at right-back, tackling strongly and distributing the ball confidently. Well done Will A!
After the match, Cameron made a presentation to Teo on behalf of the team to mark his final game in a Central City shirt. We hope that he enjoyed his time with City and that the team photo will take pride of place on his mantlepiece in his new home. Good luck Teo and keep following City on this blog!
Thursday 21 November 2013
Saturday's match at Tiverton
Thank you everyone for coming along to training last night, it was awfully cold, wet and windy but I thought it was one of the best sessions that we have had mid week so thank you.
Thank you also to all the parents who endured the elements!!
So Saturday and Tiverton! John and I would like to switch a few things around for this game so here is the starting line up.
Goal Keeper – Sam R
Defence – Will A, Alfie W & Sam P
Midfield – Joe, Will P, Cameron (captain) & Julen
Striker – Ryan
Starting Subs – Alfie R, Teo & Oscar
Tiverton play at College Pitch, Bolham Road, Tiverton. EX16 6SH.
If you can all get there for a 10am warm up ahead of kick off at 10:30am.
Any problems as ever please let me know. Weather forecast is for bright sunshine but a chilly start so if you can all bring a hoodie or jacket that would be great.
See you Saturday
Mark
Tuesday 19 November 2013
Training Focus - Sharp Shooting!!
Hello everyone,
We are playing good football with lots of passing (a bit like Arsenal!!) but sometimes we need to have one less pass and some more direct attempts on goal. So we will be doing some drills to work on this.
Am still wondering how we didn’t take the game on Saturday against West Exe!!
You all played so well and with such spirit. We are also playing with a smile on our faces which is great to see.
This Saturday sees us playing at Tiverton and another game that should be competitive.
Training on Wenesday will be from 6pm as always. The focus this week will be on sharp shooting!
Training on Wenesday will be from 6pm as always. The focus this week will be on sharp shooting!
This should be a fun session, we would like to try and coach the skills of shooting with a moving ball, snappy shots and using your weaker foot if and when necessary.
We are playing good football with lots of passing (a bit like Arsenal!!) but sometimes we need to have one less pass and some more direct attempts on goal. So we will be doing some drills to work on this.
Goalies if you can come gloved up, it could be a busy session for you
See you all on Wednesday (apart from Will P)
Regards
Mark
Saturday 16 November 2013
City perplexed by West Exe loss
Central City fell to a 3-1 defeat at West Exe this morning in a game which City dominated in terms of possession and chances created and where they played some delightful football at times. It was a perplexing result which did not reflect the overall performance of the team.
The match had started so promisingly for City, Alfie W almost creating a goal out of nothing when charging down the keeper's clearance and then coming close to converting a Will P corner. Following some near interplay, Will P then had a shot which went narrowly wide. At the other end, Cameron had to be alert when making a fantastic last-ditch tackle with a West Exe forward bearing down on goal. With both Cameron and Will having great shots and Alfie wriggling past 3 defenders and seeing his shot cleared off the line, it only seemed a matter of time when City would score. However, it was the home team who opened the scoring, winning the ball on the edge of the City area and shooting into the corner.
City almost responded in perfect fashion, breaking at pace before Alfie W was brought down to win a free-kick which Cameron fired narrowly over the bar. City continued to apply the pressure and create numerous chances, notably when Dan headed just over from a corner and the keeper saving with Alfie W though on goal. At the break, it stayed 1-0 to West Exe.
The second half saw the home team almost extend their lead, Joe heading off the line from a well-delivered free kick. Moments later, Alfie W was put through on goal and this time he held his nerve to finish emphatically into the bottom corner and level the match at 1-1. With the momentum swinging in their favour, City continued to push forward and what followed turned out to be the defining moment of the match. Alfie W had a shot which squirmed under the keeper's body and appeared to cross the line before the keeper could fall on the ball in desperation. City players claimed the goal but the referee had been unsighted and couldn't be 100% sure the ball had crossed the line. Instead of going 2-1 up, City were soon behind. Despite making a fantastic double save, Will A was finally beaten by a shot from outside the area and one minute later, the home team extended their lead with a shot form distance beating the keeper.
At 3-1 down, City had no option but to push men forward to try and reduce the arrears. Alfie W dropped into defence, with Cameron pushing up into midfield and Dan playing up front. City fashioned a number of chances but on a day when nothing quite fell for the away team, there were no further goals.
All in all, the defeat was harsh and on another day, Central City would have come away with a positive result and the goals which their overall play merited. Man of the Match went to Ryan for making several great runs and for tracking back to help out with the defence. Well done Ryan!
The match had started so promisingly for City, Alfie W almost creating a goal out of nothing when charging down the keeper's clearance and then coming close to converting a Will P corner. Following some near interplay, Will P then had a shot which went narrowly wide. At the other end, Cameron had to be alert when making a fantastic last-ditch tackle with a West Exe forward bearing down on goal. With both Cameron and Will having great shots and Alfie wriggling past 3 defenders and seeing his shot cleared off the line, it only seemed a matter of time when City would score. However, it was the home team who opened the scoring, winning the ball on the edge of the City area and shooting into the corner.
City almost responded in perfect fashion, breaking at pace before Alfie W was brought down to win a free-kick which Cameron fired narrowly over the bar. City continued to apply the pressure and create numerous chances, notably when Dan headed just over from a corner and the keeper saving with Alfie W though on goal. At the break, it stayed 1-0 to West Exe.
The second half saw the home team almost extend their lead, Joe heading off the line from a well-delivered free kick. Moments later, Alfie W was put through on goal and this time he held his nerve to finish emphatically into the bottom corner and level the match at 1-1. With the momentum swinging in their favour, City continued to push forward and what followed turned out to be the defining moment of the match. Alfie W had a shot which squirmed under the keeper's body and appeared to cross the line before the keeper could fall on the ball in desperation. City players claimed the goal but the referee had been unsighted and couldn't be 100% sure the ball had crossed the line. Instead of going 2-1 up, City were soon behind. Despite making a fantastic double save, Will A was finally beaten by a shot from outside the area and one minute later, the home team extended their lead with a shot form distance beating the keeper.
At 3-1 down, City had no option but to push men forward to try and reduce the arrears. Alfie W dropped into defence, with Cameron pushing up into midfield and Dan playing up front. City fashioned a number of chances but on a day when nothing quite fell for the away team, there were no further goals.
All in all, the defeat was harsh and on another day, Central City would have come away with a positive result and the goals which their overall play merited. Man of the Match went to Ryan for making several great runs and for tracking back to help out with the defence. Well done Ryan!
Friday 15 November 2013
Central U11s Xmas Social - Saturday 14th December - please tell us if you'd like to come along!
We are delighted to announce that we will be holding a joint Central City & United U11s Xmas Social on Saturday 14th December at 12.30pm! This is open to all players and family of Central U11s. We have provisionally booked The Long Room at On The Waterfront (by the Quay) and decided that the best option was to go for a set buffet (you can see details of what is included by following the link at the bottom). The cost is £9.95 (adult) and £6.95 (child) which includes the buffet (but not drinks or a dessert).
To help with planning, at this stage we need expressions of interest for anyone who'd like to come. We will then need payment in full by the end of November (this will cover the deposit and mean you won't have to pay for anything else on the day apart from drinks and dessert).
Please could you let Jonathan know if you'd like to attend and, if so, how many tickets you'd like (jonathan.d.lippman@gmail.com or 07809 829452 or in person at the match tomorrow!). We will ask for any special dietary requirements once we have an idea of numbers.
We hope that as many of you as possible will be able to come along and help us celebrate Xmas. Siblings are very welcome too!
To help with planning, at this stage we need expressions of interest for anyone who'd like to come. We will then need payment in full by the end of November (this will cover the deposit and mean you won't have to pay for anything else on the day apart from drinks and dessert).
Please could you let Jonathan know if you'd like to attend and, if so, how many tickets you'd like (jonathan.d.lippman@gmail.com or 07809 829452 or in person at the match tomorrow!). We will ask for any special dietary requirements once we have an idea of numbers.
We hope that as many of you as possible will be able to come along and help us celebrate Xmas. Siblings are very welcome too!
Central
City & United U11s
Pizza Party Buffet Xmas Social
On Saturday
14th December @ 12.30pm,
The Long Room, On
The Waterfront
9
The Quay, Exeter, EX2 4AP
Tickets: £9.95 per adult or £6.95 per child
(excludes
drinks and dessert, for details of buffet see
Thursday 14 November 2013
Starting team for Saturday
Hello everyone,
Such a positive training session last night, thank you for all coming and working so hard.
I am writing this on my phone so the presentation and layout might not be as good as normal - sorry.
We are playing away at West Exe on Saturday, their pitch is at Cowick Barton Fields (link on the fixtures pages)
It's a 10:30 a.m. kick off so if we could get there for 10:00 a.m., that would be great.
So the starting team will be:
Goalkeeper - Sam P
Defence - Sam R, Cameron & Oscar
Midfield - Joe, Dan, Will P & Julen
Striker - Alfie W.
Starting subs:
Teo, Alfie R, Will A & Ryan
Cameron has been handed the captain's armband for the next three matches. He has played consistently well this season and has also been really helpful setting cones out and getting to training and matches early. Well done Cameron.
See you all on Saturday. Be great to get back to our winning ways!!
Mark
Tuesday 12 November 2013
Training focus - positional play in attack
Hello everyone,
Hope you are all well and rested after our tough game on Saturday. You really should all be proud of how we played on Saturday and the effort that you all put in.
Training tomorrow will focus on positioning in attacking formations. John will be helping us to create space and confidence in the way we set ourselves up for attacking play.
Callad will also be joining us and will start with a warm up at 6pm.
Look forward to seeing you all tomorrow
Regards
Mark
Saturday 9 November 2013
Battling City fall to cup defeat
Central City fell at the first hurdle in the Cup despite a battling performance in a bruising encounter against an Alphington side who are riding high in Division 1. Having more than held their own in the first half in the face of their opponents highly physical approach, City were ultimately undone after the break by some clinical finishing. Despite scoring two cracking goals in the game of their own, City went down to a 2-6 loss.
The early stages of the game were very even, City winning a flurry of corners and Cameron having a goal-bound free-kick blocked by a defender. Ten minutes into the game, however, and the visitors were a goal up, winning the ball on the edge of the City goalmouth and firing a low shot past the keeper to make it 0-1. Having taken the lead, Alphington continued to press and had 3 chances in as many minutes, with Will A called into action to make an excellent save from a shot from distance. City refused to lie down, however, and some persistent wing play by Ryan saw Alfie W rise to bullet a superb header past the keeper and make it 1-1. With the teams evenly matched, there were few further chances and the sides went into the half-time break level.
The visitors took the lead 5 minutes into the second half with a well-delivered cross from the left being met by an unstoppable header. Minutes later, though, City dragged themselves back into the game. With Alfie upended when bearing down on goal, it was left to Cameron to rifle a fantastic free-kick past the wall to make it 2-2. At this stage of the game, both sides were still in with a chance but the visitors finally made their superiority tell with four further unanswered goals, the final scoreline somewhat flattering the visitors.
There were many positives to take from the game. As in last week's match against Bideford, City were playing against a very well-organised team who are physically strong. It is to the team's credit that City remained so competitive for large stages of the game and there is no shame in losing to a team who play in a Division above. City can take great heart from both their performances and will certainly be wiser and stronger for the experience.
Man of the Match went to Teo for his battling display, tireless running and for always looking to use the space on his wing. Well done Teo!
So, City's name will not be on the Cup this year, but we wish Alphington all the best in future rounds. It's back to the league next weekend for City and a chance to build on the spirit and 'never say die' attitude which they have shown against strong opponents in the last 2 games.
The early stages of the game were very even, City winning a flurry of corners and Cameron having a goal-bound free-kick blocked by a defender. Ten minutes into the game, however, and the visitors were a goal up, winning the ball on the edge of the City goalmouth and firing a low shot past the keeper to make it 0-1. Having taken the lead, Alphington continued to press and had 3 chances in as many minutes, with Will A called into action to make an excellent save from a shot from distance. City refused to lie down, however, and some persistent wing play by Ryan saw Alfie W rise to bullet a superb header past the keeper and make it 1-1. With the teams evenly matched, there were few further chances and the sides went into the half-time break level.
The visitors took the lead 5 minutes into the second half with a well-delivered cross from the left being met by an unstoppable header. Minutes later, though, City dragged themselves back into the game. With Alfie upended when bearing down on goal, it was left to Cameron to rifle a fantastic free-kick past the wall to make it 2-2. At this stage of the game, both sides were still in with a chance but the visitors finally made their superiority tell with four further unanswered goals, the final scoreline somewhat flattering the visitors.
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| Cameron cracks an unstoppable free-kick past the Alphington wall to level the game at 2-2 |
There were many positives to take from the game. As in last week's match against Bideford, City were playing against a very well-organised team who are physically strong. It is to the team's credit that City remained so competitive for large stages of the game and there is no shame in losing to a team who play in a Division above. City can take great heart from both their performances and will certainly be wiser and stronger for the experience.
Man of the Match went to Teo for his battling display, tireless running and for always looking to use the space on his wing. Well done Teo!
So, City's name will not be on the Cup this year, but we wish Alphington all the best in future rounds. It's back to the league next weekend for City and a chance to build on the spirit and 'never say die' attitude which they have shown against strong opponents in the last 2 games.
Wednesday 6 November 2013
Starting Team for Saturday's Cup Match
Sorry boys I made a mistake this evening with the weather!! The forecast last night was for heavy rain all evening but as it transpired it was okay!! It was a poor call on my part sorry I hold my hands up!!
Okay so Saturday's match is a cup game against Alphington.
They are in the division above us and are having a good season so it will be a tough test again.
As before we will play a 3-4-1 formation, with players pushing up when we are in attacking phases as before.
The starting team will be:-
Goal Keeper:
Will A
Defence
Sam P
Cameron & Julen
Midfield
Teo, Dan, Will P & Ryan
Striker:
Alfie W
Starting Subs:
Sam R, Joe, Oscar & Alfie R
Note to Parents - The club have informed me that for the first time in their history all pitches at King George are being used on Saturday and that this will make the car parks heavily used. If at all possible if you could park outside of the ground that would be appreciated to give space to visiting players and their families.
Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, sorry again about the mix up with the weather tonight!!
Cheers,
Mark
** Mid Week Training Cancelled **
Hello everyone
Just to confirm that we have cancelled training for this evening due to the heavy rain that is forecast! Sorry about this but think it is the right thing for players and parents!!
I will post a message in the next day or so about the cup match on Saturday against Alphington.
Thank you
Mark
Saturday 2 November 2013
Valiant Central City run Bideford mightily close
A gutsy, battling performance saw Central City fall to a narrow 4-2 defeat at the hands of table-topping Bideford Blues today at a blustery King George V.
Both teams came into the match with unblemished 100% records, the visitors having won most games by substantial margins, meaning this highly anticipated match really was a clash of the titans. After a highly promising opening period in which City matched their opponents and came to terms with their physical approach, the visitors took the lead on 17 minutes and went on to add two further goals, giving them a 3-0 half-time lead. The game had been played almost entirely in driving rain but the scoreline by no means reflected the balance of play, with City testing the opposition keeper and winning a string of corners without being able to make them pay.
The second-half, however, witnessed an outstanding comeback by City. The tone was set by intense City pressure from the off which lead to a goalmouth scramble which Bideford somehow managed to clear. The pressure soon paid off and following yet another City corner, the ball broke to Will Pye wide on the right. From there he delivered a powerful cross which deceived everyone and flew into the net, making 1-3. With the momentum very much with the home team, City poured forward, Alfie W testing the 'keeper. Moments later and it was 2-3, an in-swinging corner causing confusion in the Bideford defence and the ball nestling in the back of the net via the goalie. An unfortunate own goal, perhaps, but one which City's determination fully merited. With nearly 25 minutes remaining, it was very much a case of game on.
What followed was an enthralling encounter, with both teams having good opportunities to score. City went agonisingly close to an equaliser on several occasions, notably when Alfie W was one-on-one with the 'keeper and when Ryan flicked a cross from Alfie which was cleared off the line. However, City were unable to fashion the equaliser which their all-round play deserved and with 5 minutes remaining, Bideford made the game safe with a fourth. There was still time for City to almost claw back a third goal, Alfie R firing past the post from a corner.
So, a first defeat in the league this season, but on another day and with a bit more luck on their side, City would undoubtedly have got something out of the game. Indeed, Bideford had to defend resolutely throughout the match in the face of some fantastic moves from City, who combined excellent all-round inter-play and passing with grit, determination and athleticism. Bideford certainly knew that they had been in a real game and there are so many positives which City can take out of the game, not least being the first team to score more than one goal against Bideford this season. City had matched their well-organised, strong opponents at every step and can be hugely encouraged by this performance.
Yet again, it was very much a team performance with outstanding play across the pitch from back to front. Man of the Match, as chosen by John Plumer, went to Julen for his determination, flexibility in playing in midfield and defence and eagerness to bring team-mates into play with his passing. Well done to Julen, and well done to everyone for running a very good Bideford team so close.
Next week sees the league take a break, with Central City hosting Alphington in the Cup. On the back of this display, we can look forward to another excellent performance.
Both teams came into the match with unblemished 100% records, the visitors having won most games by substantial margins, meaning this highly anticipated match really was a clash of the titans. After a highly promising opening period in which City matched their opponents and came to terms with their physical approach, the visitors took the lead on 17 minutes and went on to add two further goals, giving them a 3-0 half-time lead. The game had been played almost entirely in driving rain but the scoreline by no means reflected the balance of play, with City testing the opposition keeper and winning a string of corners without being able to make them pay.
The second-half, however, witnessed an outstanding comeback by City. The tone was set by intense City pressure from the off which lead to a goalmouth scramble which Bideford somehow managed to clear. The pressure soon paid off and following yet another City corner, the ball broke to Will Pye wide on the right. From there he delivered a powerful cross which deceived everyone and flew into the net, making 1-3. With the momentum very much with the home team, City poured forward, Alfie W testing the 'keeper. Moments later and it was 2-3, an in-swinging corner causing confusion in the Bideford defence and the ball nestling in the back of the net via the goalie. An unfortunate own goal, perhaps, but one which City's determination fully merited. With nearly 25 minutes remaining, it was very much a case of game on.
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| The ball is in the back of the net as City fight back against Bideford! |
What followed was an enthralling encounter, with both teams having good opportunities to score. City went agonisingly close to an equaliser on several occasions, notably when Alfie W was one-on-one with the 'keeper and when Ryan flicked a cross from Alfie which was cleared off the line. However, City were unable to fashion the equaliser which their all-round play deserved and with 5 minutes remaining, Bideford made the game safe with a fourth. There was still time for City to almost claw back a third goal, Alfie R firing past the post from a corner.
So, a first defeat in the league this season, but on another day and with a bit more luck on their side, City would undoubtedly have got something out of the game. Indeed, Bideford had to defend resolutely throughout the match in the face of some fantastic moves from City, who combined excellent all-round inter-play and passing with grit, determination and athleticism. Bideford certainly knew that they had been in a real game and there are so many positives which City can take out of the game, not least being the first team to score more than one goal against Bideford this season. City had matched their well-organised, strong opponents at every step and can be hugely encouraged by this performance.
Yet again, it was very much a team performance with outstanding play across the pitch from back to front. Man of the Match, as chosen by John Plumer, went to Julen for his determination, flexibility in playing in midfield and defence and eagerness to bring team-mates into play with his passing. Well done to Julen, and well done to everyone for running a very good Bideford team so close.
Next week sees the league take a break, with Central City hosting Alphington in the Cup. On the back of this display, we can look forward to another excellent performance.