REBELS 3-3 JP's Scorers: Adam, Luke (2)
Team: James, Alek, Alfie, Nick J, Nick B, Adam, Bakes, Gunston, Westie, Luke, Danny. Subs: Gav, Cottee
I am so glad that we ensured we played this fixture, as we certainly saved the best to last. Make no mistake, that was a bloody strong team JP's put out against us and it was only down to a dodgy decision by Peaches that we did not take all three points. To come back from 2-0 and 3-2 down shows character and believe me, it was JP's who were desperate for the final whistle.
Yet again, we had to use Peaches for this game and as per usual he did us little or no favours! JP's came storming out of the blocks and put a lot of pressure on for the first twenty minutes, without getting a clear shot on goal. We then got back into the game, making numerous forays into their area and getting a few shots off into the bargain. Bakes and Westie looked good in their respective positions, Nick Browne and Adam were winning and distributing the ball well and the defence were tackling and closing down everything that moved. Then Alek made a brilliant challenge in the box, the guy went down like Klinsman of old and a penalty was duly awarded and put away. Rather than the heads going down, the lads came off the pitch at half time determined to put things right. We started the second half brightly, only for disaster to strike when one of their players hit an absolute beauty of a goal from about thirty yards. Again, heads did not drop and we continued to put the pressure on the opposition. This resulted in a handball in their box and a penalty to us. Alfie stepped up to the plate and although he struck the penalty well, their keeper made a decent save but only to parry it back out into the box for Adam to follow up and crack into the net. Game on. Gav replaced Bakes (not that Chris had played badly) and Cottee was sent home to get his boots. Gunston, as good as ever, had a brilliant chance to level, as did Nick Browne but not quite. Westie then flattened the biggest player on the pitch, much to the disgust of the JP's players. Took him off for his own safety at this point and Cottee came on and duly flattened the same player and his midfield partner for good measure. We then levelled through Luke, who was in the right place at the right time, after an overhead scissor kick from Cottee was saved. Ten minutes to go and again we were hit by a long range goal that I cannot decide if it was a shot or a cross. We then basically camped in their half, in pursuit of the equaliser and it paid off when Luke mishit a shot that left the keeper with no chance. Final whistle. Everyone off with heads held extremely high, after what I feel was our best performance of the season. JP's manager conceeded that we hit them hard (not in a dirty way).
Man of the Match: Initially the whole team because this was a brilliant display. However on an individual basis, going to give it to Adam-strong in the tackle, always looking for the ball and dangerous in attack.
