Rose and Thistle  2 v 2 Crossley          (Division 3 League Match)

Despite ALL that has gone on this was the one match that the manager wanted to play, just to see what, if any, character and backbone the team has after two disappointing defeats. With the promotion race all over bar the shouting this was going to be a true test. The past few matches against Crossley has been one of cock ups and capitulation, so was this to be any different? Oh and well done for the wives and girlfriends of those who moved your clock forward by 1 hour, Mr Winnard and Mr Leach 100 lines.. I must move my clock forward just like everyone else or I have the piss taken out of me for being late, just like last year! Hey even Gadsen turned up on time.

A near full squad to choose from and a different formation, a 442 for this one. The Team was - Conetta, Marshall, Lindley, Gray, Marsden, Bunce, Gadsen, Waygood, Holman, Scales, Milburn Subs - Winnard, Davison, Goacher, Harris, Leach. Leachy would have started but turned up late!

1st Half - From the blocks Thistle were up for this game and like I have said in the past if we did this every game it would make life easier. Marshall taking over at Right Back in stead of Leachy had a great game considering his confidence had been shaken over the past few weeks, he slotted in right at home. The game ebbed and flowed with both teams having some good chances but Thistle had most of the play, however the half time score wasn’t going to reflect that. Good work from the workhorses in the middle of the park, Messrs. Holman and Waygood, stole the ball from Crossley, a nice play found Hollywood on the right, he cut in across goal and round the keeper. A neat little shot found Hollywood celebrating even before it went in and the rest of the team groaning as we all thought he was going to put it wide.. alas it went in.. 1-0 Thistle and Hollywood’s celebration of finger to mouth say SHHH was met with confused looks. Marsden at the back had their main striker in his pocket and soon found himself a new striker to mark when the original one tried to head the ball via Big Dave’s Head, Big Dave was fine the striker had a massive egg and came off. Unfortunately the six footer that came on promptly scored, a long ball found Cup Cake coming out and at the last min. a back header from Dave bounced out of Toni’s arms and the new guy calmly put it into the empty net .. 1-1. It was to get worse as Lindley was fouled by our right hand corner flag only for the ref to ignore it, come to that so did Dick our lino, and the guy being hotly chased by Awesome drove the ball home 1-2 Crossley. Half time came.

A simple team talk - The secret with these games is not to stop the effort and communication, a great effort will be rewarded. No changes.

2nd Half - Playing with the wind helped but the main factor was another big 45 mins of commitment. Crossley were looking tired, they were looking bewildered as well as the TRUE Thistle were playing this match, not the one that lays down and concedes. With Crossley defending deeper and deeper the goal had to come and it did from Big Dave’s head. A nice ball into the box found towering Dave to head over the keeper , 2-2 Game on. Shinner had a couple of good chances following great work from Hollywood and if the game had gone on for another 10 mins I’m sure we would have sneaked it. Crossley did have chances don’t get me wrong, one in particular Toni made a fantastic save to make amends for any error on their first. Marshall came off to be replaced by the ever solid Leachy and towards the end Buncey came off with Rik switching to right mid and Smasher Harris going upfront with Hollywood... well he always moans he doesn’t get the chance to score. Adam worked well for the time he was on winning some important headers. The game came to and end with a well earned 2-2 drew.

If you all sit down and think about that game and take it into EVERY match then we will all have success, its down to all of you though. Next season bodes well if that is what we can do teams who have seemed invincible this year. And as an aside, we have had a win and a draw against Falcons and a win and a defeat against Crossley, both of these the only sides above us. No others can boast the same - bear that in mind next time you doubt yourselves. You showed what Crossley really are on Sunday, an average team that you can get results if you put your mind to it!! I keep telling you, you guys are the best in this league , start believing it.

M.O.M - The whole team.. you played the way I know you can ..well done!