The 3rd team went into today’s game knowing that the pressure to pick up all three points was now at boiling point having failed to win in their previous three league games. The team was hoping that Lady luck, having seemingly deserted them after the previous week’s gut-wrenching defeat to close league rivals Woking, was soon about to return to show them some much overdue favour.

The game was played on a lumpy pitch and as such the play was never very smooth. The 3s were determined to make a positive start and maintained their cool when defending against Tilburg’s repeated counter attacks. This game was sure to benefit from added spice, knowing that the opposition would be motivated to win this game after being defeated previously by Old St Mary’s 3s 15-1 at Hall Place. This determination was evident in their play from the outset as they constantly looked to play on the offensive.

The 3s were up to the task of soaking up the pressure with Dean Botten, Alec Towers, Andy Smith and Ed Farrelly (making a 3s cameo appearance) all more than up to the task. Chances came early on for the 3s; Tom Eageling watched his header hit the bar and Jack Willson and Ed Armstrong both came close with chance that cut across the box.

Eventually the goal came when, from a quick break, Adam Penny won the ball before setting Ed Armstrong off down the right wing who crossed superbly for Jack Willson, who cushioned the ball and then rounded a player before hitting the ball into the back of the net.

1-0

The 3s weren’t having it all their own way, however, and goalkeeper Rob Crashaw had to be quick off his mark on a few occasions to see the ball out of danger. The 3s then were dealt a bitter blow when the ref deemed that one of the Mary’s defenders (no names mentioned….Dean…..) had handled the ball in the area. After a retaken penalty due to some jostling among the other players, the Tilburg player hit the ball well into the goal beating Rob.

1-1

The 3’s didn’t let this set them back and pushed on for another goal which came shortly after when Ed Armstrong again turned provider. He swung a corner in from the left where Adam Penny rose well to header into the back of the net. We still don’t know who was more surprised by this goal: the opposition or Penny, who was some what shocked at having scored with his head….

2-1

In the second half the 3s were aiming to go up a gear and put the game out of Tilburg’s reach. This was almost a job well done, when Jack Willson scored again to put a two goal cushion in front of the team.

3-1

However, the 3s were starting to fade with fatigue and injury setting in throughout the pitch. This was starting to have a negative affect as the Tilburg side were obviously aware and started to press the 3s onto the back foot.

Their persistence paid off eventually when their player struck from just inside the box after a scrappy clearance and there wasn’t a orange shirt quick enough to close him down.

3-2

At this point, the 3s were in trouble and were having to give their last ounce of energy and determination to keep running and keep pushing for the points.

Billy made a substitution and switched to a five-man midfield to try to counter the growing pressure that was pushing against us and in the end the 3s managed to see the game out with all three points.

Now it’s time to take this victory and bring it on to the next game against Whitgifian, who are currently one place behind the 3s with games in hand.

Man-of-the-Match: there’s a few contenders for the man if the match. The two that stand out would be Andy Smith who defended throughout the game superbly and Ed Armstrong, who was instrumental in our goals. Alec Towers was also very impressive in his first game back on pitch, having been our goalkeeper for the previous five games.

But the Man-of-the-Match would have to go to Ed Armstrong.