Match Report
Match Report - 02 Oct 2011, Clapham Rovers Clapham Rovers beat Invictus
Clapham Rovers ‘A’ 2 - Invictus 0
It was great to see us triumph in a tough, tight and scrappy game which on chances created we deserved to win.
With the bright sun in our eyes and a hard bobbly pitch we struggled to exert our usual control and became frustrated with ourselves for much of the first half.
After our hard earned and much deserved double promotion we may find that we’re not always going to roll over teams like we’re used to last season. Let’s maintain the intensity and determination whilst having the confidence in our ability that if we keep plugging away and keep doing the right things, the goals and rewards will come.
Their keeper had added to our frustration by having an absolute blinder and pulling off two fantastic reflex saves to clear the ball off the line from the Hitman and Nick.
At the other end we restricted Invictus to shots from about 30 yards, all of which came to nothing. Most moments of danger emanated from the cheap free kicks we were giving away outside our box which they were able to swing into the box. We’re going to have to cut that out for the next match because we’re going to get punished.
We eventually took the lead just before half time with a rip roaring strike from Mr Woodward. He picked up a poor clearance from the keeper about 40 yards out, slalomed his way past 3 defenders and unleashed a terrific left foot strike which rocketed into the top right hand corner.
The second half was more open and we began to play some decent stuff. On the counter attack, a neat interchange of passes between the Hitman, Aidan and Si allowed Si to shoot across goal with a strike that just went wide of the target.
Si was also unlucky from close range when he challenged the keeper and his hooked effort just went wide of the target.
We had tightened up much more at the other end and at this point the moaning, chuntering, plainly stupid (he called me a cheat when as linesman I gave a throw in favour of him) but useful Invictus centre forward had given up. He was obviously sick and tired of being beaten to every header by Bunny and got used to sitting in G’s back pocket.
Before we went 2-0 up with 10 minutes left, Gaz showed great commitment by challenging their keeper on the floor and receiving a boot in the ribs. He then showed even more desire by throwing himself at a superb back post curling cross from Nick which he was able to divert into the net via a deflection from an Invictus defender.
Game over.
Clapham Rovers Clapham Rovers 2 - 0 Invictus ()