The way yesterdays game started you would think it was the cup final!! Full on from the first whistle, Finch took on Farnham’s second team. Finch with a single sub, missing some key positions….Farnham with a whole army of players!!
It took Finch a while to settle into the game, rushing passes under significant pressure from Farnham. But they were getting stuck in, riding the challenges and trying to play football. The midfield was the main battle ground with little time to think. And although Farnham kept the ball better, Finch showed good skills and determination to tackle and turn-over the play each time.
Farnham managed to squeeze the first goal after Alfie was tripped by the eventual scorer, a little off the ball action unseen by the referee (not an isolated incident)!! But they rallied and got back into the game straight away.
Finch had some longer range chances but couldn’t beat their keeper and were being marshalled by the home team’s defence. And Farnham’s similar long range chances got the same treatment. But characteristic persistence from Ollie was rewarded with a goal from a scuffed goal kick and clinical finish. 1-1
Half time came and our lads were completely knackered already. Fluids and jelly babies were taken on board and they were ready to go again!!
Finch took the game to Farnham in the second half from the off, hassling and pressing quicker than in the first half. Farnham were still quick on the break, but the Finch defence was outstanding (Dan, Billy, Alfie, Jacob and Jake). Farnham did get a few more shots on target, but couldn’t beat Jake even with a deflected shot going in to the top left hand corner.
Finch possession play was better, using the space and linking the passes together. Midfielders Ben A, Nathan, James, Adam and Marcus worked their socks off. Lewis working with Ollie as the link player on the attack had his work cut out for him. Even in tight spots when outnumbered by Farnham players, they played the ball around confidently. They created some great opportunities, including the final one which should have been a penalty when Ollie was tripped in the box before he could pull the trigger.
Final score 1-1.
Farnham were very physical, organised and quick. Mostly big lads playing on the edge of and sometimes beyond the laws of the game. But our lads stepped it up, gave it back and threw themselves into the game, quite literally in some cases (Nathan launching himself at the biggest kid on the pitch to win the ball in the final seconds of the game).
The Hurricanes showed great desire and passion, team work and skills today, tough conditions with the heat and tough competition!! Very proud of them all, well done lads.
