Flames v Melksham Park

Flames 5 Melksham Park 0 (HT Flames 2 Melksham Park 0)
Man Of Match: Dan T

A re-arranged fixture to accommodate our Club visit to Reading FC on Saturday 19th saw the Flames at King George V Park in Melksham on a bitterly cold winter's afternoon, on a sodden pitch, with a howling wind and the odd snow flurry. Apart from this it was perfect conditions to play football!

After losing the all important toss, the Flames were challenged by their opponents to defend against a strong wind in the first half. This they did admirably with lots of effort, resolve and discipline in their shape. Most of the half was played in midfield with the Flames often breaking forward with a run on goal. This was a great effort on their part given the strength of the head-wind, heavy pitch and sodden ball. Ali E was rarely troubled in goal, but when asked, was well positioned to stop the ball.

The second half was a more sedate affair with the boys worn down by the effort of running in such heavy ground during the first half. By this time the wind had died considerably, offering us less assistance in getting the ball forward than Melksham had in the first 30 minutes. Despite this, the Flames played the match very much on the front foot, in the opposition half, the stats demonstrating this through Sam C activity, now in goal, touching the ball just once in the second half.

An awful goal area and some stout, numbers behind the ball, defending by Melksham, kept the score down but did not prevent the Flames from scoring a further three, and, more importantly, keeping their first clean sheet of the season.

Some positives from a game played in tough conditions:-

• Great shape at opposition goal-kicks
  
• Organization and discipline at attacking corners - always looked dangerous
  
• Good width and depth during the first half
  

Ashley W
Tenacious tackling and great effort to get forward from Left Wing back

Sam W and George H
Held the Centre of defence well, took up very good positions and made some telling tackles stopping the opposition breaking through the middle.

Dan T
Held his position at Right Wing back well. Supported attacks down the right hand side when able.

Ryan G
Looked very strong as the 'Stopper' in front of the back four. Some great running to get forward and commitment to support the Centre backs when we came under pressure.

Ali E and Sam C
Great commitment to the team by spending a half each in goal.