Report

AFC were dumped out of the LFA by Greenlands for the 2^nd season running this time losing 4-3 on pens after an entertaining 3-3 draw. Charlie was still away after surgery but Tugger was back to take charge of the team and surprinsgly handed Roddy a start after a 6 week absence. Jake and John also returned to the starting line up with Randell, Banksy, Simon and Dwayne all missing form last weeks victory.

Greenlands started the brighter pressing AFC all over the park, we were having trouble dealing with their long ball game and the AFC backline were under serious pressure. Having weathered the opening 20 mins Greenlands took a well deserved lead, a free kick was whipped into the area between keeper and defence and the striker had a free header giving Stoney no chance. The game continued in the same manner with AFC struggling to string two passes together, Greenlands then got a deserved 2^nd which was a carbon copy of the 1^st. Another free kick was whipped into the box and the Greenlands striker had another free header again giving Stoney no chance. This was shocking stuff from AFC with our strikers failing to hold anything upfront and the midfield getting completely overrun. With the clock ticking towards half time AFC got back into the game completely against the run of play, Louie went on a run from left back advancing to the edge of the box, he fainted to shoot instead playing a lovely ball to John who slammed the ball into the top corner, a lifeline for AFC just before half time.

The lads knew that the 1^st half performance wasn’t acceptable, several players were not pulling their weight and we needed a massive improvement if we wanted to get back into the game. The lads were given 10 mins to improve of the subs were coming on.

 

AFC started the 2^nd half with much more purpose, and John should have equalised in the opening minutes. Dan skipped past the full back and crossed only for John the slice wide from the pen spot. AFC thankfully had woken up and were 1^st to the ball all over the pitch, Jordan then produce a moment of class to draw AFC level he picked the ball up on the edge of the box before chipping the onrushing defender and slotted home to make it 2-2. AFC continued to create chances with the Greenlands keeper saving well from a Dan volley and a Sean Roddy drive. The pressure finally paid off when AFC scored from a corner, John swung the ball into the front post and Jake rose highest to head into the roof of the net and score a goal his performance deserved. Changes were made to freshen for what we assumed would be a Greenlands onslaught, Fish for Jordan, Olly for Alex and Lewis for Sean, from kick off Greenlands launched another long ball which Jake cleared, Fish picked up the lose ball before bursting past two defenders and into the box only for the keeper to make another good save. The ref announced there would be 3mins of injury time, Dash played the ball into the corner for Dan to waste time, Dan however turned the centre half and made his way into the box as he went to cross for Lewis who was unmarked in the box the Greenlands defender pulled Dan back giving AFC an obvious pen or so we thought, the Greenlands defender had stopped himself and put his head in his hands, the ref and linesman between them disagreed and Greenlands launched the ball into the box for the final time, Jake again cleared well the ball found its way to Jamie on the edge of the box, Jamie dwelled on the ball and was caught in possession by the Greenlands player whose shot took a deflection and nested into the back of the net in the 95^th minute. The ref blew for full time straight from kick off and we went to pens.

Greenlands - saved      John - scored
Greenlands - scored     Lewis - missed
Greenlands - scored     Greeny - scored
Greenlands - scored     Dan - scored
Greenlands - scored     Fish - missed