Leyland Albion Blue 2 Penwortham 1

After a long walk across several fields and under a railway bridge, we finally arrived at Penwortham’ pitch.  As a team we hoped to build on last weeks result, yet with Penwortham’ undefeated record and at the top of the table the team was asked to just enjoy the game and learn.

Penwortham won the toss and took the kick off.  They asserted themselves on the game quickly although they could not transfer possession into shots on our goal.  As the game went on Albion gained in confidence.  The threats from Penwortham’ left and centre of midfield were identified and largely stopped.  For either team, shots were at a premium, with Penwortham taking them from the half way line, which were easily saved or watched going wide by Mr Cool.  The midfield became the battleground, with neither side really gaining an advantage until midway through the first half.  Albion midfield won the ball and slid a perfect pass to Pat who fired the ball sublimely into the net.  The game continued in much the same vein until towards the end of the half.  Pewortham again passed the ball to the left, two Albion players went for the ball with one Penwortham player and somehow the Penwortham player got the lucky defection, which left him free on goal.  Not surprisingly, Bate slotted the ball away. 

HT 1-1   

The second half Albion started the brighter, creating several chances while staying tight on Penwortham’ main threats.  This frustrated Penwortham and their attempts on goal seemed to become more desperate.  The game seemed to be getting faster, with both teams looking for that clinching goal and no team really demonstrating they were better than the other.  As the game seemed to be closing out, Penwortham started to gain more Albion territory, yet Penwortham were restricted to long range shots continued or Albion were happy to see the ball out for a corner or throw in.  Penwortham pushing on played into our hands, as this allowed more and more breakaways.  5 mins to go, Albion broke away again, the ball came to Aaron who amazingly spun the ball into the Penwortham net from outside the penalty area as the keeper could only watch.  Albion resisted territorial pressure for the remaining minutes, when the whistle went Albion players shook hands and cheered the Penwortham effort.

Am sure the score line was not what anyone expected, lessons for both teams have been learnt which is more important at this level than totting up points.  In this game, Albion learn to mark people out of a game or allow players to have the ball and just follow them wide. As this result showed, a team with players who have only played 2 competitive matches can perform can equally as well as established teams/players.  Albion blue should take enormous confidence from this match, with the team spirit and application they should have an enjoyable and progressive season.

MOM: His third competitive match and largely controlled the impressive Penwortham left midfielder (Jake)