Captain's Report : MK City vs Oakgrove Teachers (7-2) and MK Roos (15-2)
This was MK City's first outing in the SMKA. The opponents, Oakgrove, are in their first season, so with most of City having about 2 years experience we might have been the favourites but word had reached us that they were 'athletic'. Our experience seemed to shine through when we took a 2-0 lead in the first 5 minutes with 2 short goals from the Captain but then we struggled to get on the score sheet. Oakgrove ran us round the pitch at both ends to their credit but they also clumsily ran into us/poked Joe in the eye and we were awarded 6 penalties, 2 were converted to goals (Penalty practice will be arranged shortly). The Captain made a brilliant substitution call and Michael scored a running in shot within seconds of coming off the bench. Goal order is a bit hazy but Laura and Emma joined the score sheet making it a comfortable 7-2 victory.
Then, having badged ourselves as the first team club under the MK City umbrella, there was a lot of pressure in the game against Roos. Exuberant from the victory against Oakgrove and feeling like favourites, we muddled our way through the first half. Once upon a time 4-0 at half time would have been a brilliant result but the Captain was unhappy, as a similar performance in the OKA next week would not be good enough. So back to basics were called for (strong collect, work together, less individual play and personal attempts to get on the score sheet and the Captain was included in that). Sure enough we were much more of a team in the second half with text book feed and running in, recycling of the ball from collect and playing to our strengths (and their weaknesses). Joe and Emma were giving lessons in Korfball at one end, Ed banked his first hat trick for City (I am hopeful for more!) and Laura's name is now a familiar sight on the score sheet. So a great 11-2 second half performance giving a full time winning result 15 - 2.
Full points from the first 2 games, well done to everyone. It was lovely to have Ninja Sarah back. We are grateful to Kelly for staying on her feet (most of the time) and Tim for playing at such short notice (not that anyone can ever doubt Tim's commitment...).
Thanks to Darren and Caz for reffing.
MK City are back in the OKA on Sunday 25th October against Isis 2.
MK City 7-2 vs Oakgrove
First attack
Emma Green (2)
Laura Beechey (2 incl 1 penalty)
Pete Staffell
Ed Regan
First D
Emma Cash (1)
Sarah Malleson
Joe Palmer
Tim (then Michael as sub)
Michael (2 incl 1 penalty)
MK City 15-2 vs Roos
First attack
Emma Cash (3)
Kelly Crabtree
Joe Palmer (4)
Michael Blatherwick
First D
Emma Green (2)
Laura Beechey (2)
Pete Staffell
Ed Regan (3)
Unclaimed 1 goal from First attack!