St. Comgall's 1 AFC TPS 3

St. Comgall's 1 AFC TPS 3
(Michael, Daniel 2)

An absolutely fantastic scoreline today, after a fantastic performance by each and every player. Following our defeat at the hands of Antrim the squad knew there could be no further defeats, and that every player had to be on top form. On a full size pitch, with plenty of space, this resulted in some of the best passing this season, with the ball being released early into dangerous areas at every opportunity.

The defence of Dean, Philip, Andrew, Scott and Graeme dealt superbly with any threat from St. Comgall's, timing their tackles and calmly clearing the ball to green shirts throughout the game. Graeme - forcing his way back into the starting XI - was particularly impressive, and has created a selection headache for the next match!

In midfield Johnny continues his progress, adding some excellent passing and tackling to his game. Ross kept the pressure up on the right wing while Gerard and Michael were nothing short of outstanding. It is true that when these two click, we are a better team - but the fact today is that they clicked at the same time as the whole team! Adam continued his unselfish running and team play up front, while Daniel just did his usual superb reading of the game which so often means he ends up in exactly the right place at the right time.

Right from kick off it was clear that AFC TPS were really up for this game, and Michael deservedly gave us the lead after a super diagonal ball from Gerard was cleverly left by Adam. It fell perfectly into Michael's path and he made no mistake with his finish. Daniel then got the faintest of touches on a shot from Gerard to just redirect the ball away from the St. Comgall's keeper and into the net to make the half time score 2-0 to AFC TPS.

After a half time warning that the game was not won yet, St. Comgall's came out for the second half determined to get back into the game, but they found our defensive line determined to keep them out. Daniel gave us a three goal lead with another fine finish midway through the half after another fine run from Michael, and despite a late consolation goal for St. Comgall's, and a stunning clearance off the line from Michael, AFC TPS ran out deserved 3-1 winnners in the end.

I'm finding it increasingly hard to split Michael and Gerard as the season goes on, as when they perform it lifts to whole team. I think both of them just happened to put in their best performances of the season, so - despite match winning performances all over the pitch, and a particularly impressive comeback from Graeme, I have to give Gerard and Michael the joint player of the match award.

Here's the stats ...

11 a side league
P5 W4 D0 L1 F19 A6 pts 12

11 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D0 L1 F6 A6 pts 3

7 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D1 L0 F4 A2 pts 4

5 a side tournaments
P5 W3 D0 L2 F17 A6 Pts 9

overall
P14 W9 D1 L4 F46 A20 pts 28

goal scorers
Daniel 11
Michael 10
Gerard 8
Adam 6
Philip 6
Johnny 2
Luke S 2
Ross 1

player of the match
Gerard 5
Michael 3
Philip 2
Andrew 1
Luke B 1
Dean 1
Daniel 1
Adam 1

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS