Match Report - Gower 2nd XI Vs ‘Ave It

Gower 2's 0-0 Ave’ It

Gower 2's were unlucky not to finish with a win after a tightly fought contest at their new home ground in Acton. Lining up in a 4-4-2 formation the team handed first starts to Leon up front, Sam at right back, Jon in midfield and Nick at left back.

On a good pitch Gowers dominated the first half with little getting through to trouble Danny ‘the wall’ Layton and Howie at the heart of the defence. A sign of both Gower fitness and commitment both Howie and Gladis played important games following earlier 10k runs (to see them finish click on this link and enter their names).

Chances came and went with the game unfolding very much like the effort of the A XI two weeks previous. Following good work by Lucas, Mike had a strong shot saved by the decent opposition keeper, then Leon dribbled his way into space before cracking a 20 yard effort that crashed against the crossbar before bouncing harmlessly away. Lucas then had a free kicked tipped over the bar as Gower were pressing and gaining a degree of fluency in the centre of the park where the game was to be decided. The new partnership of Jon and Mitch, which will hopefully become a established platform in the near future, hassled and harried for the ball. Yet like any relationship it will take time for the two players to better understand one another.
The attacks continued; Dens had a glancing header cleared of the line by a defender on the post and then Leon danced clear to go one on one with the keeper before delaying and allowing the centre back to recover and move in for a tackle. Gowers were communicating well, in particular Nick on the left who had a solid start to what promise to be a bright Gower future.

After half-time oranges, Gowers got bogged down in a 2nd half characterised by a midfield skirmish with both Mitch and Jon putting in heavy tackles and working hard for the team. Yet the fluency of the first half was lacking and Leon found himself running down dead ends up front as the midfield dropped deep to fight for possession. Ave’ it had a couple of decent chances but were saved by characteristically brave goalkeeping from Rod who delivered a commanding and assuring performance between the sticks.

Right at the death new boy Tariq had the ball in the back of the net for Gower but was to be denied by a dubious offside call.

So all in all a decent enough start from the embryonic Gower 2nd team. Every great journey starts with small steps in the right direction and the boys can feel proud of being there at the start.

Men of the Match: Mitch and Jon- Midfield fighters