Gower Allstars vs Gower Phoenix - match report

With the Allstars rocked by an unprecedented two successive losses in their two opening cup games of the season, the Phoenix with a recent 5-0 thumping of Virgin under their belt, could smell the lack of confidence and doubts in and amongst the Allstars 11 and fancied their chances for their first league win over the stars.

In an even and tense first 25 mins, the Allstars took the lead from an inviting ball over the top of the back four by Botterill, which caused the phoenix keeper problems, and Blandy did excellently to swivel and score with his left foot.

Phoenix equalised shortly after, following what can only be described as a calamitous mix-up in the uncertain allstars defence, which ended with the ball dribbling almost at snail pace into an empty allstars net.

It was then Phoenix who stamped their authority on the game through Wood’s excellent defensive work, and Lucas and Selbie’s midfield tenacity . Between the front three of Jules, Bolu and Toby, the Phoenix looked dangerous and likely to score –especially as, with a new 4-3-3 formation, the Allstars were clearly struggling and losing the midfield battle. And it was Lucas who finished off a fine move from the Phoenix, finding the roof of the net, from the edge of the area.

2-1 Phoenix – half time could not quick enough for the Allstars.

After a rollicking from their coach asking them to prove and show their worth, the allstars started the 2nd half in style, with some wonder skill by Owen Blandy, down the right, who crossed perfectly for Botterill to slot past the keeper.

2-2 game on.

Finally the midfield three of Milburn, Peace and Mitchell, started to win their personal battles and get stuck in. Defence turned quickly into attack and it was now Phoenix struggling to cope with the counter-attacking of the Allstars Botterill, Medley and Blandy.

The defensive unit too was much stronger, winning tackles they were losing in the first half. And the noticeable success of the midfield 3, gave the Allstars front 3 the platform they needed to drive on and punish the phoenix.

And on 55 mins, Medley scored a fine individual effort, after a through ball from Botterill, to give the Allstars a well deserved lead.

And with the extra man in midfield, the Allstars continually found time and space down the channels, with blandy and Botterill working especially hard to turn a 4-3-3 attacking formation into a 4-5-1 defensive unit when they didnt have the ball.

The flood gates then opened up with Phoenix pushing forward, and goals as well as assists from Blandy, Medley (two more to get his hatrick), and a second from Botterill quashed any hopes of a first league victory for the Phoenix.

A 7-2 scoreline somewhat flattered the Allstars, but no one could deny them what was to be a top-notch 2nd half performance scoring 6 unanswered goals (please note some good solid keeping from debutant Speed in goal to deny Phoenix any chance of a revival, including a customary hacking down of Bolu).

It was a fine display of clinical finishing and real hard-work and grit from all the stars team, because they were hungry and really wanted it.

A good league victory has been a long time coming for the Allstars, and much needed after a horrible end to the 2008-9 and beginning of 2009-10.

Every one of the team played well and contributed to this victory – none more so than Owen Blandy, who epitomized what was so needed – bundles of work-rate, lots of team motivation and some class assisting and finishing. At times he was unstoppable. Possibly his best performance ever in a gower shirt. Well done for driving your team forward.

Next week is the re-match between the two sides and an opportunity for the angry Phoenix players to avenge this nasty defeat.

Allstars will need to be at their best – this time for all 90 mins please.