Reds no match for Visa

PFFC 0 Visa 4

Damian, 31 March 2008

 

A depleted PFFC team took to the Linford Christie stadium pitch for a match against a team who beat us 8-0 the last time we played. With numerous players absent, we were grateful to Eric, who provided two of his friends (Steffen and Andrea) to help against a strong and confident Visa side flying high in the league. Some tinkering with the formation before the match, and PFFC lined up with a very welcome return for Matt in goal; Owen, Andy, Phil and Vipul at the back; Ally and Damian in the centre of midfield; Tom and Steffen on the wings; and Eric and Andrea starting up front.

The game started well, with PFFC containing the Visa midfield pairing who had caused problems in the previous match. The defence were also playing well, staying close to the Visa strikers and getting good early tackles in. It seemed like Visa thought that they just had to turn up to win but Philosophy were having none of it. Winning the 50/50s and with Eric and Andrea battling for every ball up front, PFFC were showing some of the spirit and commitment that may not have been as evident in the last few matches.

Visa were struggling to create chances and with Matt distributing the ball well from the back, some fine moves were being created as the team pushed forward. A couple of corners to each side were all defended well and as the minutes ticked away, Visa began to realise they were in for a much tougher match than they predicted.

A long free kick into the box caused some confusion in the Visa penalty area and the resulting break eventually led to a combination of good goalkeeping from Matt and some more fine defensive work from Phil and Vipul to thwart the Visa strikers again. Soon after though, Visa took the lead after some good build up play in the Philosophy half of the pitch. Heads didn't go down though and it was to our great credit that we continued to battle on to half time, still winning tackles and looking like getting back into the match.

Conrad came on as substitute for Andrea who hadn't stopped running for the whole of the half and had already played an hour of football before our match.

The second half started well with Visa dropping back slightly to deal with lots of early PFFC possession. Conrad was causing problems up front and the Visa defence had some tough times dealing with him and Eric. About 10 minutes in and after some neat interplay deep into Visa's half, Damian passed the ball out wide to Steffen – who had an excellent game – who then crossed for Eric to head back towards the far corner of the goal, with the keeper pulling off an excellent save to stop what would have been a deserved equaliser.

Not too long after though and Visa got their second goal created by their central midfielder who had caused so many problems in the first match. As the match wore on, tiredness started to set in and 2 late goals probably flattered Visa and meant that the scoreline didn't reflect the hard work and effort put in by every player on the pitch. Right through the team, everybody played with full commitment and there is no doubt that if we take that into the final match against Boodle Hatfield then we will finish the season on a high.