Men's 2nd XI Vs Derwent 3

9-3-19

Snhc 2’s vs Derwent 3’a
Mike Shapland reports

A slight breeze welcomed South as they travelled to Ashbourne to play Derwent 3’s. After a ‘feisty’ first game at Bingham in November when a terrible display saw Derwent inflict South’s first defeat of the season, they were out for revenge. The gorilla who broke AJ’s ribs in the last game was absent, having long been dropped after his own teammates became sick of him.

South lined up in their attacking 3-5-2 formation, hoping for a fast start. However it was Derwent who flew out of the blocks and took an early lead, continuing a disappointing trend for South who have shipped the first goal 12 times this season despite only 3 defeats. Derwent played 3 high forwards that placed a lot of pressure on South’s back 3 who were forced to man mark and were overloaded when midfield runners came through. Fortunately against the run of play Ellz held up a direct pass from Harry well and squared it to skipper Grozzy for the equaliser. Derwent continued to dominate the game but South’s quality shone through and neat interplay around a crowded D saw Mike lay off first time to Grozzy to slot in his second, before Harry put a drag flick in the top corner off a short at the half time whistle. South were up 3-1 but only because they had better players- there was no doubt Derwent had been the better team.

The half time team talk praised the work rate but the decision was made to switch to a more traditional 4-4-2, with Will moving to centre half, to prevent the midfield having to play so deep to cover Derwent’s attacks and also give an extra out ball when in possession. The change worked instantly as South began to take over the game and were rewarded when a short corner strike was belted into the bottom corner by Jon, (and he didn’t even top it!) to make it 4-1 and minutes later an excellent crossfield ball from AJ to an unmarked Mike saw him 1 on 1 with the keeper and he fired home. South continued to play much better and the hardworking back 4 saw off every Derwent attack, with Tommy largely a spectator in goal. A quick breakaway led by a Brian Blackmore long ball saw Grozzy through on goal and he unselfishly laid off to Ellz to tap into an empty net.

Derwent managed to pull one back to make it 6-2 but South weren’t done. Ellz found himself 1 on 1 and scored the worst goal of his career, somehow hitting the keeper with his first shot before bundling the ball in on the rebound. At least he got a well deserved whack as he tumbled over the sprawling keeper in the aftermath. South then rounded off the day in the final minute with Jon winning the ball on the sideline and smashing an early cross for Grozzy to sweep in first time for his hat trick and 28th goal of the season.

Harder work was made of the game than South would’ve liked but in the end, job done and revenge emphatically gained, 8-2. Special thanks to pitchside photographer Sam Lane.