Ellistown FC v FC Khalsa

Town take the credit from coming from 2-0 down to grab a well-deserved point and hopefully are starting to turn the corner.

It could have been all so different as Khalsa ripped into Town and went 2-0 up in 8 mins. We were stunned on 2 mins, when a Dan Marriott free-kick gave Khalsa the lead.

EFC 0-1 FCK 2 mins

Town were all over the shop at the back and Darren Green doubled the lead on 8 mins when it was given the freedom of the penalty box to score.

EFC 0-2 FCK 8 mins

A heavy defeat looked on the cards but let’s restart the match report from the 9th minute.

Town kicked off for the 3rd time and it was 3rd time lucky as we started playing football and through intelligent midfield play from man of the match Fran Blake, we began to cut open Khalsa by utilising the wing play of Marley Spencer and Colby White.

We were given a way back in the match on 15 minutes when a Kyle Avossa free kick was too hot to handle for the Khalsa keeper as he palmed the ball into the net.

EFC 1-2 FCK 15 mins

Had Bazball come to Terrace Road as it was clear both sides were struggling to defend and goals, goals, goals were on the agenda.

Could Town hold their nerve and win the game coming from 2-0 down, we tried our best as for the first time this season, the defence, midfield and attack all linked up as Khalsa could not cope with our flowing passing game. The disappointing aspect was the final pass as we over played but this was understandable as we were enjoying ourselves.

Our concern was could we keep Khalsa out and that risk was downgraded to low as young keeper Austin Parish had a great debut and continues the trend of Ellistown developing young keepers. More about Austin in the 2nd half.

Our defence of Ethan Fox, Sam Toon, Keiron Tompkins and Brennon Earls after a nightmare opening 8 mins where in control and with Joe Simpson and Fran Blake running midfield and Marley Spencer, Kyle Avossa, Daniel Downs and Colby White looking dangerous on the attack, only the case of Chelsea jitters in front of goal stopped us levelling before half-time.

EFC 1-2 FCK HT

Could we complete the 2nd half comeback, then read on to find out. On 51 mins our hearts sunk as a coming together in our box resulted in a penalty to Khalsa. You could see the disappointment in our Chairman's face as the ref pointed to the spot.

Step forward Austin Parish who made a world class save as he pushed the penalty onto the post and gathered the rebound. Well done young man. You could see that save lifting the side as coupled with a set of sensible substitutions saw introduction of Daniel White, Connor Dixon, Farron Pope and Labib Bashar we suddenly looked like Arsenal rather than Chelsea and deservedly equalised on 62 mins through a class Colby White finish.

EFC 2-2 FCK 62 mins

Only one team was going to win this as Khalsa tired and on 75 mins our Chairman was celebrating the winner as Farron Pope jumped like a salmon in the penalty box to head home a free-kick. Also jumping like a salmon was the linesman who put up his flag. Aaahhh!!!!!!

We had chances to win it and the fact we were creating chances and were solid at the back was a big plus. Shame we could not convert one of the chances.

Khalsa were dangerous at set pieces, but we coped well and the final whistle went with a deserved point for Town and confirmation we are getting back on track and ready for a run of difficult fixtures.

EFC 2-2 FCK FT

Summary

Well done lads for not throwing in the towel at 0-2 and getting back into the game. Carry forward the last 80 mins performance into Cottesmore on Wednesday and it's going to be a close game.

Big shout out to America bound Fran Blake who run midfield and his range of passing was a joy to watch, followed by keeper Austin Parish who had an excellent debut. Actually, big shout out to all the players and management team.