Well done Stirling.otto62 wrote:Great result and obviously a tight game, wish I could have been there. Hopefully that's stopped the rot of recent poor form.MadeInEngland wrote:Salisbury Villa v Stirling
A's 0-1
B's 0-3
Stirling (C) beat Northern Pitbulls 1-0.
A's: Couldn't stay to watch, but heard Stirling grabbed the win in the last 5 minutes. Heart breaking for us, especially considering we gave up a win in the dying minutes last week. I can only assume we struggled up top, and understandably, as we are missing all but two of our main strikers, and those two are still not 100% fit. One also came off the bench late today due to a minor injury last week, so only the one to start with today. Hopefully over the next couple weeks we can get some back fit and firing.
B's: Stirling may disagree, but I thought the game was closer than the score line suggests, but Stirling proved that they will be reserves champs this year IMO. As I've said before, Stirling reserves are a well drilled unit and today their hard running, and especially down the wings, proved the difference. They showed that even when a good team is being challenged around the park, they can still find the openings and end result. I think this time around we did well to keep their 2 dangerous center mids quiet, but their wingers stepped up and proved the difference.
On a personally level, I really enjoyed my battle with Stirling's center mid (think his name was Chico? Or, Chicho?). I realised early my distribution was suffering due to my screwed ankle, so I decided to play a more defensive/tagging role on their number 23, as I remembered he personally destroyed us in round 1 (think he grabbed a brace). Great player and good sport. He didn't like the attention early but after the ref made it clear he was enjoying watching our battle, and would let most things go, we both knuckled down and played ball. I think I succeeded in keeping him quiet for the most part, and his only chance came late in the second half when he was moved to the strikers role. It was funny when, after complaining to the ref for another sneaky elbow to his back, he told me I was a hard opponent and he would need a massage the next day.
. Although I roughed him up a little, I appreciate that he took it like a man, tried to give it back (which I happily accepted), and ultimately we could respectfully shake hands at the end of the game. I enjoyed the contest despite the loss, and I think we can take a lot of positives from the game as a team moving forward. I can't see Stirling dropping any points for the rest of the season, and for me, they'll be champs.I thought it was important to mention that I thought the ref we had was very good. Maybe because he let me get away with a lot
, but he was cool, calm and collected the whole match. He let the game flow naturally for the whole 90 minutes. He didn't get everything right (the volley I copped to the bad ankle), but it didn't seem to matter as he was hardly seen or heard, and made the right calls when it mattered. I even told him after the game he did a good job, and I was surprised he wasn't officiating A grade games. And I never compliment refs.Unfortunately I didn't catch his name, but I do remember he said he use to play for Macedonia and a few other teams. Very good ref. Hope to get him again, and I'll be sure to catch his name and spread the word.
Stirling, thanks again for the hard fought contest, and we wish you well for the rest of the season.
I swear one of these days I'll play you after getting some sleep the night before
. Then you'll be in trouble Sorry for the long post, but my Friday night's just ending now.
