AFC TPS director of football Mr Alcorn tried out a new formation today against Straid and watched in horror as Straid took an early but well deserved lead with a great finish from a corner. AFC TPS had already had several chances before they went behind and they fought back quickly to level at 1-1 with a goal by Brook from a corner of their own. The horror show coninued however as Straid almost immediately regained the advantage to lead 2-1 as half time approached. However just before the interval captain Michael got his team back on level terms with a super header from yet another corner.
Mr Alcorn abandoned his bold 2-3-1 experimental formation at half time, reverting to the more familiar 2-2-2. If he had had any tea cups handy, he may have thrown a few of them around the dressing room, if there had also been a dressing room to hand. Lucky for the players that there was neither a dressing room nor any tea cups about. He did however deliver the first "rocket" of the season as he told the team in no uncertain terms that the first half performance was quite simply not acceptable. He asked if the team believed they were good enough to make up for their early showing and asked them to go out and prove it.
And prove it they did!
Out they came with Jonny taking over in nets and Matthew and Jack taking up the defensive duties. Straid continued to press throughout the half, with their outstanding captain - possibly the best visiting player we have been up against this season - instrumental in most of their moves. However they found it much harder to break down the AFC TPS defence, and with Michael continuing to urge his team on, AFC TPS got the goal that put them in front for the first time in the match. It came from - yes - another corner, with Brook swinging it in dangerously from the left. It may have taken a touch off a defender on the way in, but Brook claimed it immediately, and after the controversial goals panel had viewed the evidence, it was awarded to him.
AFC TPS kept it tight in defence and began at last to string a few moves together, with a quick break resulting in a fourth goal from Daniel D to give the team a bit of breathing space. Straid continued to play good football, but their balls into the box were expertly - and occasionally desperately - dealt with, as AFC TPS ran out 4-2 winners in the end.
Straid will be back again later in the season and will be full of confidence that they can turn today's result around. We must play like we did in the second half if we hope to get another 3 points off them.
Lessons have been learnt today - both by the director of football and the players. The director of football will stick to tried and trusted formations from now on, and the players will show the pride and determination that they showed to drag themselves back into this game - AT ALL TIMES!
A tough call for player of the match today, with Michael's sweetly headed goal being the only highlight of a disappointing first half for AFC TPS. However, when the three defensive substitutions were made at half time, the whole team looked much more solid and seemed to gain in confidence. Player of the match therefore goes to Jack who never lost his man for one moment during his time on the pitch and made some vital tackles. Well done Jack! And well done everyone for battling back and showing what you are ALL made of.
A tough call for player of the match today, with Michael's sweetly headed goal being the only highlight of a disappointing first half for AFC TPS. However, when the three defensive substitutions were made at half time, the whole team looked much more solid and seemed to gain in confidence. Player of the match therefore goes to Jack who never lost his man for one moment during his time on the pitch and made some vital tackles. Well done Jack! And well done everyone for battling back and showing what you are ALL made of.
Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS
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