With the new PDFL 3 Division format, The Blues start their League campaign in div 2.
Up first was Stamford Strollers B containing some familiar faces from Whites opponents last season. Blues started well and were carving out plenty of chances for striker Steve Hammond however after 9 minutes, the deserved breakthrough came with Steve crossing from the right and Mark Allen finishing with a fine right foot volley. 2 minutes later and Stamford got a shock equaliser but it was short lived as Steve Hammond once again turned provider, just 30 seconds later linking well with Michael Wells who made it 2-1.
Alan Wells making his debut
Alan Wells made his league debut on for Mark Allen at the start of the 2nd half. It would turn out to be a dream debut. Blues were never in real trouble but at 2-1, Stamford were still in the game. With 5 minutes remaining, Michael Wells scored the 3rd & decisive goal, pouncing on a loose pass and finishing well. But the referee deemed he was a too quick and brandished a blue card for his 3rd offence and Steelers were a man short for the next 3 minutes. Stamford put the pressure on getting free kick after free kick from good blocks going overhead from the ever dependable Pete Paget and goalkeeper Chris Briston making the odd save when required. Having held out and Michael Wells back on the pitch, Alan Wells took the ball high up the pitch on the left, opened his body and curled a great side foot shot with his right foot into the net. The game finished 3-1.
A new opposition next up for Blues in the guise of Hampton FC Blues. Zero scouting had been done so no information was available to prepare the team. However, The Blues took the game to Hampton and scored in the 1st minute after a square ball from Steve Hammond found Mark Allen in the center who side footed into the top corner. A fine goal. The 2nd followed on 5 minutes after a quick free kick that Michael Wells put away.
Plenty of possession followed but Steelers were got caught in a 3 on 2 & Hampton pulled 1 back. Alan Wells again came on for Mark Allen in the 2nd half and bagged his 2nd goal of the day within a minute. With 6 minutes to play, Steve Hammond intercepted the ball and fed Michael Wells who made it 4-1 his seconde goal and 3rd for the day. Game over. Alan Wells continued to push forward and had chances to make it 5 but it finished at 4-1 and a good day at the office was complete.
IT’S A GAME OF 2 HALVES FOR STEELERS WHITES
The Whites started brightly against Whittlesey Blacks, creating the first chances through James Collins twice & Phil Cooper had a good effort saved. Captain Steve Earth impressed on his league debut, marshalling the midfield & breaking forward at times. With 30 seconds left of the 1st half, Whittlesey found a player unmarked on the left flank who rifled his shot into the goal. A disappointing end to a fine 1st half display. After a quiet 1st half for Dan Smith in goal, he had his work cut out in the 2nd half from the first minute, making some good saves but we were soon 2-0 down. Steve Earth made a good interception and his blocked shot fell to Lee Nolan who shot well but a deflection took the ball onto the intersection of the crossbar and post. Whittlesey scored 2 more quick goals with some fine strikes into the top corners and the contest was over. Whites kept going of course but a further 2 Whittlesey goals made it a rather harsh 6-0 score line.
Harborough Hornets were the 2nd opponents who went 2-0 up inside 6 minutes and then added a suspect 3rd goal which Steelers contested that the ball was in the area when the player toe poked it into the net, but the goal was given. Steve Earth pulled one back with a pile driver into the top left corner, getting his deserved goal for his and the team’s efforts. A misheard whistle from the other pitch stopped Whites in their tracks & Harborough bagged a 4th & soon to be a 5th. Lee Nolan was fouled when on goal but there was another defender in close proximity so the offender only received a 3 minute sin bin at the end of the 1st half. A battling 2nd half had its chances and better defensive performances. With 8 minutes to play, Michael Woolhouse went on with the knowledge that he only needed 5 goals to secure victory. Alas, it wasn’t to be but a 2nd half 0-0 was a positive to take from the game.
Plenty to work on but heads never dropped & The Whites always fight to the end.
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