Flames v Pewsey Vale

Pewsey Vale 2 Flames 4 (HT Pewsey Vale 1 Flames 3)
Man Of Match: Adam V

Having agreed with the referee and opposition to cone off a fallen tree that now encroached onto a small portion of the pitch, the Pewsey officials made a mockery of my negotiation skills by sawing off the offending branches! Surely a candidate for bizarre event of the season?

Onto the game. First match in four weeks, third week of no football, and I felt it showed. We did look slightly rusty, not as sharp with control, a little slow of thought and out of sorts with our unit positioning. By the start of the second half we were finding our pace and form, and at times played some nice football. Great credit has to go to both midfield wing units, with Josh C and Josh W on the left, and Dan T and Ali E on the right all having outstanding second halves.

I felt the 4-4-2 formation worked for the Flames, although it did mean some players were finding the new positions, and adjacent team-mate, a little strange at first. We'll look to persevere with the formation though as it offers better attacking options as we develop.

A game played in great spirit, I think there was one foul committed in the whole game, and one in which both teams competed, on the whole, in a very even way.

Things to work on as a team:

• Commitment to win the ball when not in possession
• Defend as a team, establish more organized defensive 'lines'
  
• Retain shape at the back and midfield as we attack

Adam V
Generally a quiet game but some crucial saves and interceptions made at vital times. His performance was key to us holding on to the lead.

Josh C
Some strong running to catch, close and intercept attackers who broke through our generally weak back-line.

Josh W
After a slow start showed great application, skill and commitment holding and attacking from the left of midfield. Demonstrated some great personal skills, one great inside hook to leave the shadowing defender for dead springs to mind as one example.

Ed M
Had a strong performance in the second half whilst leading the attacking line. Always looked dangerous holding on-side waiting to pounce on the through ball. Good finishing when offered the opportunity

Ali E
Nice performance in an unfamiliar right midfield role. Got up and down well, won lots of ball. A stunning individual goal in the second half, good positive run beating players, made room and pulled the trigger - my favourite of the season this far.

Dan T
Looked very comfortable working with Ali E down the right hand side. Made some key tackles, cleared the ball well when under pressure, and started to gain confidence to run forward occasionally when given the space.