Following some of the heaviest downpours seen in late September for many a year, the Finch team and merry band of supporters were happy to see that the match vs Windsor was still on. Save the traditional cancellations for January / February please!
Following last week’s victory the boys were ready to go, all be it sadly without regular keeper Luke whose Achilles injury meant he’d be out of action for up to 6 weeks. Fortunately this team is blessed with courageous individuals brave enough to step into the big man’s shoes and the boys were ready to go.
The whistle blows and we’re off! The mid-week rain had improved the Finch surface, allowing for the passing football that this team is capable of. Sadly a rather strong wind would make conditions difficult for Finch in the first half especially against a team insistent on playing long kicks for their nimble forwards to latch onto. “We’ve been here” before noted one of Finch’s quieter spectators.
However, it wasn’t long before Finch were to knit three or four quick passing moves together that would create some positive opportunities. Great interplay between Bunny, Sam F and Jake Mo created a chance for the latter just outside the box but a rather rushed effort couldn’t trouble the keeper. The first 15 minutes of the half was to follow a similar pattern with some good moves rather peetering out as Windsor were able to get bodies in and around the box. Clearances from their keeper were hit 10 yards into the Finch half but Windsor forwards were dominated by imperious play from Sam T and Kam F. Finch attacking play continued down the left with James and George combining well but again being thwarted by some stout defending from the Comets.
A foul by the Comets some 10 yards into their own half meant that big Sam T strode up for the free kick. Would we see history repeat itself following his now legendary freekick specials? A hush descended across the Finch support. Unfortunately the force 10 gale was to hold up the attempt as again the ball drifted harmlessly wide. The wind was certainly causing an issue. Further shots from Lucas C and Jake Mo held up in the wind for Comets’ keeper to thankfully accept.
Again Comets attacked with long balls and but for some fabulous defending from Josh, James and particularly Kam with one memorable last ditch tackle to ensure that Rovers didn’t fall behind.
Then some quick passing and a fast run down the left from Jake Mo provided a fabulous cross that would evade the multitude of Comets defenders in the box. Lucas S arriving inside the box on the left was able to unleash a strong effort on target that on this occasion the keeper could not get to, however a fabulous block from a Comets defender meant no goal. Unlucky boys!
Comets then started applying further pressure and Oliver pulled off an excellent save following another ball over the top. Half time, honours even 0-0.
Supporters’ views over the half-time interval were generally that the boys should be able to benefit from the wind behind them in the 2nd half and score the one goal that would surely gain the win. Were these prophecies to come true?
A scrappy start from both sides in the second half in truth saw little action for the first 10 minutes. Then an audacious pass of the day from Alfie saw Bunny breakthrough for what looked like a golden opportunity, but yet again Comets defenders closed him down and their keeper smothered.
Comets’ no 43 (they must have one heck of a squad size) then started to take the game into his own hands with some quality runs down the right hand side that a combination of Lucas C and Sam T were just able to deal with. However, a resulting free kick from one of those runs was struck powerfully into the top-left hand side corner with 2nd half keeper George pulling off the save of the day. Josh then blocked a chance magnificently moments later.
Kam, moved to a more familiar left-hand wing position was then able to take the game to the opposition time and time again, ably assisted by Leo although the boys struggled to commit enough numbers to each attack.
A final chance came in the last few moments as an excellent corner from Sam F was missed by the Comets defenders and Leo had a chance from a few yards out. Unfortunately the Comets defender blocked the goal bound shot on the line and the chance was gone. A few moments later the final whistle greeted the team for what was a very fair result. Conditions didn’t help – but the boys take a deserved point and on to next week’s cup game!
Final Score 0-0
