Match Report
10 November 201312:00:00
Knockout Cup
Starting Line-up
Subs Used
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Player of the Match
The question management were left asking after this match was did Blaze turn up? Once we had located the ground, the lads were certainly there in person but whether they were quite there mentally was another matter !! The team were rocked by the late withdrawal of Johnson through sickness which, given Sarhan's dodgy knees, meant that Paterson was reinstated from being rested to provide defensive cover. The pitch was small and heavy and the goals were wonky and one was broken so the omens didn't look good - and so it proved.
Despite welcoming Ingrouille back for his first competitive game following a broken ankle, Blaze were under pressure from the start. In general, the usual commitment was there but the team forgot some of the basics - closing down, clearing their lines, providing width, marking etc. Despite the scoreline, given the tight pitch, the game was a little scrappy with both teams seemingly unable to play much fluent football. Pythons were the better side, of that there is no question, but with at least six goals scored after a game of ping pong in Blaze's box or strikes from long range as they were given too much space, it was easy to see how Blaze would normally have made this match a much more competitive affair.
Blaze are a better side than this and it has showed in recent games. They will play better many times this season. Credit to Pythons but as we exit the Knockout Cup, we'll put it down to a bad day at the office !!