We’ve never played Twyford before. So were not sure what to expect. They arrived at this game unbeaten so far this season, so we anticipated a tough match.

Today was the first ‘wintery’ fixture of the season. Lots of rain this week, left their pitch pretty soggy and with a slope and longish grass, it was not an easy surface, although it was of course the same for both teams.

The Falcons played well last week but ended up with a result that didn’t fairly reflect the game, so this was a chance to put that behind us, and perhaps get our first win.

1st Half

The game started open and, in the main, continued that way throughout. In the first 10 minutes the Falcons had 3 great corners plus some early chances from surging runs by Marcus on the wing, Jack had a shot just wide, Max hit the post, and Liam had a shot just over the crossbar. All very promising, but the score remained 0-0.

The Comets came into the game more for the next 10 minutes or so. After 20 minutes the Falcons swung into the ascendancy once again, Liam had a shot cleared off the line and a great pass from Stanley to Marcus saw his shot well saved. The after 25 minutes a moment of real football quality. After Stanley and Ioan combined to nullify a comets attack Liam brought the ball out of defence, looked up, and shot an arrow-like pass, fully 40 yards onto the path of Jack. Jack clipped the ball to Chris who dribbled around a defender and laid the ball off to Max, who buried it. (0-1) The whole move was quality, but the vision and pass from Liam to start the move was top quality.

Maybe we relaxed a bit too much after this as the Comets equalised after 27 minutes (1-1) with a low drilled shot. Undeterred the Falcons kept pressing, Cameron drove forward, beating 2 players and his shot flying just wide of the left post, then 2 minutes later Cameron picked up the ball from a pass by Chris in the box, took it around the flailing Comets ‘keeper and fired into the net (1-2). Our lead quickly restored, this time it was Comets who dropped concentration, Ioan playing a super pass to Max, who squeezed a curling shot in of the left post (1-3).

The Comets tried to strike back and almost did, Alastair pulling of a super save to tip a powerful shot onto the
cross bar.

Our defence of Alastair in goal, Liam, Ioan, Nathan, Stanley and Gabriel had to work hard in the first half, but dealt well with the Comets attackers. Our midfield of Marcus, Jack, Eadoin, Rufus, Cameron and Chris created loads of chances, Cameron showing great determination to round the keeper with one and Max finishing two of them in style.

The Falcons led at half time, a top quality save, three quality passing moves and 3 excellent finishes really stood out in an end to end and at time scrappy first half. Although the Falcons dominated and deserved their lead.

2nd Half

Naturally, the Comets came out determined to get back in to game. Their play intensified. Many players feel it is easier to attack downhill, as we now were, but they forget that their defenders have to run up hill if they are turned!! This began to happen a bit, it was hard to deal with on the boggy pitch.

We struggled to get going in the second half and it is fair to say that we became a bit disjointed. Meanwhile The Comets were pressing harder and I’m sure they, like me, sensed a goal coming.

Sure enough it did. After their attack broke down the ball broke out to the edge of the box and a Comet hit it on the half-volley. The ball went like comet into our net. Good goal. (2-3).

Things got a bit nervy after this, especially for the coaches J. Comets were on top and although we were defending well and working hard, things weren’t coming off for us. Eadoin had a shot saved, Chris had a couple of shots just wide, Max made several good saves.

After 70 minutes though Cameron was fouled bring the ball forwards about 25/30 yards from goal. Marcus stepped up to take the free kick. He had to wait a bit whilst the Comets set up a wall. As his crisply shot free kick looped up the ‘keeper must have thought it was going over, but the ball dropped beautifully just under the bar and out of the reach of the back pedalling ‘keeper. It was a bit special. (2-4) It was Marcus’s 60th Falcons goal

All comets succumb to gravity eventually.

Evidently, this took the wind out of the Comet’s tails, the final 10 minutes were relatively comfortable. The Falcons had a few chances to grab a 5th, Eadoin shotting inches wide and Chris drawing a superb save from their ‘keeper. Max in goal had one more save to make, but anticipated and cleared a 1 on 1 well.

Full Time 2-4 - We’ll take that and our first win of the season.

The Falcons are now through to the 3rd Round of 16 on 10th of December. I suspect this will be against Windsor Youth, but will confirm once the fixtures are out.

Shout outs

Marcus – for great wing play and energy, and a superb free-kick that cemented the result. Good job!

Alastair – for a great first half in goal and an excellent save at a crucial point in the match. Great effort!

But my Player of the week was Liam, for a really solid defensive display. Liam favours playing in midfield, but we discussed before the game him coming forward as a right wing back today. He did this superbly, and in doing this had the vision to execute his Tom Brady pass which led to our first goal. Well done!!

We return to league action next Saturday, away to Datchet
COYF!!!
Phill

Match details

Match date

Sat 05 Nov 2022

Kickoff

09:00

Team overview