STFC clinch win of the season

After a terrific win at home to Argosy, STFC were confident and focused for the upcoming game against West Hallam. After a change of venue for the match, the players arrived at Gordon Street, a little disappointed at the state of the pitch. There were dollops of either dog poo or darren poo scattered all over the gaff. The referee did his best to pick it all out by using sticks to flag up anywhere Fat had managed to curl one out. After that was resolved and Fat wiped his bum, the STFC players were happy to see the return of AWOL player Tom Fryer. Most players didn't know who he was anymore but fortunately, he introduced himself to those who were unfamiliar.

The players got changed and ready in the sauna changing room and Fat played his favourite Cyndi Lauper tunes so that the players got out to the pitch quicker. The warm up was good and the players had plenty of time to get prepared and focused on the job that needed doing. Manager Matt opted for a conservative start with Bogg and Bradders sitting DM and Cox pushing further up the field to support Azza.

The game started with a really high tempo and West Hallam looking nervous at the back. A mistake in the opening minute from the Hallam defender saw Azza through on goal and force a good save from their kep. Azza continued with this relentless pressure which allowed Rick and Flewitt to capitalise on their obvious weaknesses defensively. Their keper played goal kick downfield which Mulligan won and forced back into the midfield. Cox played the ball out wide to Flewitt who ran at the centre back and eventually found Azza with a nice through ball. Azza latched onto it and finished well to give STFC the lead.

STFC did go close again in the 5th minute as their left back got caught on the ball and his panicked clearance allowed Rick to lay Hall off, as his shot was saved by the keper. The resulting corner also went close as Harris was marginally off from getting a header on goal. Unfortunately, Hallam got it level as their defender hoofed a long ball up top and their striker, who displayed some pace, got a tidy shot away and placed into the bottom corner.
Hallam then went on to score another on the 17th minute after a free kick was awarded by the ref. Probably not a free kick on any other day but typically they went on to hit it passed Matt Kep.

STFC didn't let the goal knock them down and they continued to pile on the pressure and dominate in all areas of the pitch. Boston and Rick doing really down the left and causing all sorts of problems. Whilst Cole and Flewitt did the same on the right, Azza looked keen to get more goals.
Chances did come with Flewitt going close down the right after a mazy run, Azza's shot from the back post on a corner went wide. However, it was Rick Ross who scored the equaliser - a long ball again from the West Hallam defence, was headed back in by Mulligan to Rick Ross who controlled and took it passed the defender on the edge of the box before lashing a shot at goal. The keper fumbled it and it rolled in.

The referee blew for half time and STFC went in at the break knowing the game was there for the taking. Confidence was high and Matt re-iterated the need for caution but keep pressing and the chances would come.

The 2nd half started and chances did come for both teams. Azza and Rick getting a lot of joy down the left hand side as their defender looked like he'd had enough of playing football. The West Hallam players did their best to wind up the STFC team by calling them all sorts - Rugby players, fairies and losers. Really hurtful things. The STFC players did their best to hold back the tears from the verbal bashing.

The 3rd STFC goal came on the 54th minute as Boston found Rick down the left, he saw the run of Azza who'd kept the ball in at the byline. He managed to skip passed the defenders challenge and find Cox with a low cross who gladly tapped the ball in for 2-3. It made up for his scuffed effort earlier in the 2nd half.

It could've been 2-4 soon after as Azza again got himself through down the left and his pass to Rick only needed a touch. But the distance was too great as the 1 yard from goal that Rick stood was all too much and he blazed it wide. He started crying but I'm not sure if that's because he missed or because the defender called him a rugby player again.

Unfortunately, West Hallam got another equaliser, this time through a penalty. Their striker got through inside the box and Christian went in for a clothesline. The referee pointed to the spot but acknowledged the decent technique in the wrestling move.

Manager Matt made some changes by bringing Fat and Fryer on in place of Flewitt and Bogg.

Fat was keen to continue his form from the previous week and was immediately involved after a long ball up from Matt Kep saw Fat flick it on with his HEED!! Cox latched onto the flick and saw Azza and Rick wanting the ball in the box. The resulting cross almost made it to
Azza but the defender just got a header on it to take it away from him.

On the 88th, it was the deciding moment. A ball down the line from Cole to Cox was intercepted by the Hallam full back. The resulting throw in was nodded on by Fat and the defender couldn't get it away, Azza continued passed him and got himself one on one and placed it
calmly into the corner as STFC clinched the win.

A really hard working performance from the lads and definitely the win of the season. Some excellent individual displays with Boston, Mulligan, Harris & Rick all showcasing how to turnt up. Man of the match was a tough call but Aaron Halls goals were the difference and his work rate throughout was fantastic so he gets in this week.

Match Statistics
Phil Harris - Attendance rating +1
Tom Fryer is no longer a missing person
Tobias Wort - Attendance rating -1
Fat - Pitch cleanliness -1
Rick Ross bought some new Hi-Tec boots from the premium store
Fat - Teamwear -2
Christian Harris unlocked inside out socks
Boston O'Grady - Timekeeping -1