Radcliffe Olympic v Ellistown And Ibstock

Our season started today, with a superb performance away to high flying Radcliffe Olympic. We came away with a 2-0 defeat but only those present will know the full story.

The game started with Radcliffe thinking all they had to do was kick off and the game was won. We soon had Radcliffe running back to the drawing board as we took control from the first minute and in a different season would have been 3-0 up after 15 minutes.

In a flowing game, Keaton Sharpe was brilliant in goal and made some world class saves, our defence played as a unit, the midfield linked up well with our front two. The only thing missing was a goal.

The Radcliffe management team were getting worried as they realised they were in a game but our play ensured Radcliffe were never on top.

The first half ended goalless, with the boys being clapped off the park by the Ellistown And Ibstock Utd away support.

RO 0-0 EIBS

Could we push on in the 2nd half and get the win our play deserved. Our hearts sunk after only 45 seconds as a long ball upfront caught out our defence and Ryan Smith run on to score unopposed to make it.

RO 1-0 EIBS 46 minutes

If we follow the pattern of this season, then Radcliffe would take control of the game and run out easy winners. Not today, as we fought to stay in the game and we are still scratching our heads how we did not score.

Our Chairman summed it up as he told the Radcliffe goalkeeper he is a lucky so and so and should buy a lottery ticket. In return, the goalkeeper acknowledged his luck.

Our attacking play was excellent and we had shots that fizzed the post, defenders hooking the ball over the bar and away support roaring the team on.

Radcliffe got lucky on 64 minutes when they scored the 2nd on 64 minutes through Ryan Perkins who headed in from close range.

RO 2-0 EIBS 64 minutes

After the 2nd goal, our play went to a different level as we took total control of the game and played like Barcelona rather than a team bottom of the league.

We just could not score and Radcliffe were grateful for the final whistle with the score.

RO 2-0 EIBS

Summary

Well done lads, you done the club proud today. You deserved to win and if you continue to play at this level then the wins will come.

We now focus our attention to next Saturday's FA Vase game away to Bromsgrove Sporting when we are expecting a crowd of around 400.

Lads this is your chance to shine and show everyone how good you are.