In what would no doubt be one of the biggest games of this season in our division. 1st (us) played second (Narbrough).

It was always going to be a close close game. Paul and I knew it would be, with only a point of space and 6 goals between the two teams it was really all to play for.

The squad selection was based on a plan we had to suppress their better players and use our speed to break. This worked well and with Lucas given special duties to mark the best Narbrough player out of the game it was a great performance from the captain. The fact when he won the MOM award the other players all disagreed with us about him being their best player says it all.

We started slower than normal, clearly the occasion playing on the minds of all the players. But we nullified much of the best work Narbrough did in the opening minutes. But one slip of concentration would unravel us just for a second. But all they needed was a second. A great cross by their 16 let one of their players in and popped it in the side of the goal, nothing Kyle could do about that.

I have to admit, the reaction of the players was the best I have seen from our side since their creation and my time in charge. After the goal Narbrough hardly touched the ball. We dominated the rest of the first half, all we lacked was that goal. Sam, Nial and Lucas all had chances but just missed out on the chance to strike.

As the half turned, we started hard and kept attacking. But these two great sides started to cancel each other out. With little to pick and a few subs the game started to become more and more heated with them giving us a fair share of free kicks. I was delighted to say we retaliated in the right way. Upping our work and driving hard. Sam really got stuck in to the game and was unlucky not to win a free kick just outside the box.

With maybe 2 or 3 minutes to spare and everyone getting desperate the cries from the parents getting frantic and shouts from the subs willing the team on we drove hard and won a corner.

An awesome corner from Liam was hit by a yellow player, and the ball rolled free.

But wait, the ref was walking to the middle of the box with his hand pointing for a goal kick. THAT WAS NOT A GOAL KICK. He isn't pointing for a goal kick. Good heavens (or words to that effect)! A PENALTY!!!

Who will take it? Liam, do you want it? No. Joe? No. Then Miles steps up. Grabs the ball. Choice is made. With players on the floor, parents turning round and coaches with their eyes closed. Miles stepped up as if he was taking a stroll. BOOM! Never doubted him for a second.

1-1, the players, fans and everyone else watching (I'm talking about you Scott!) go wild! But the game isn't over yet. The seconds seem to take an hour, they push on and get stopped, we push back and get stopped. Then Kyle catches their corner that must be that. So it is.

Well done lads, a great display by EVERYONE!

Mom is Lucas for how well he kept that 16 quiet. Special mentions go to the whole squad, but to Miles especially for stepping up and finishing the penalty; it takes quite some courage to do that!

Thanks everyone. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Stoke Golding Football Club

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