Dream debut’s and dominant display’s by Steelers Reds.
The newly named and somewhat new looking Steelers Reds got their 2024 PDFL season off to the perfect start, winning both of their games by 3-1 scorelines against Huntingdon A & Stamford B.
Reds were on the front foot from the off in both games. If it wasn’t the crossbar denying Reds, it was the unfortunate opposition’s face, Andy Goodley unleashing a fierce shot within seconds that struck a Huntingdon player, sending her to the floor and a forced substitution. Thankfully she was ok and was able to play a further part in the game later on.
Although impossible to predict the results, Reds played exactly how it was expected. Lee Nolan making the saves he needed to & distributing the ball well from within his own area, Tony Bean and Barrie Skinner did well marshalling the back line, Andy Goodley & Steve Earth dominating the midfield with Mike Bracegirdle always available and a threat upfront.
The deserved breakthrough against Huntingdon came through Mike Bracegirdle, but Huntingdon were level within a minutes. Rob Taylor, David Szydlowski and Phil Galley were introduced at half time and it was Rob Taylor that found himself furthest up the pitch from his designated center back position, slotting into an empty net to restore the lead and scoring on his club debut. Lee Nolan made a great save, coming off his line to smother the chance and deny Huntingdon. Andy Goodley also making his debut made the points safe with a low drive that took a slight deflection. The game finishing 3-1 to the Reds.
Next up was an expected a tough game against Stamford B but Reds continued where they left off and the midfield dominance was again evident. Captain Steve Earth should have opened the scoring after nice interplay gave him the opportunity to shoot with his left foot, but spurned the chance. Reds did go ahead moments later through Mike Bracegirdle. Shortly afterwards Steve Earth was penalized by the ref for 3 quick contact fouls, substitute David Szydlowski was readied to replace him, however an error of judgement on the sidelines meant the substitution didn’t happen in time and a 4th offence committed left Reds short of their captain for the remaining 4 minutes of the half which they held out to the whistle. David Szydlowski came on after the break helped secure the midfield with Rob Taylor also on to take his place at the back and offering few chances to the opposition. A 2nd goal for Mike Bracegirdle followed by a third of the match from Andy Goodley put Reds into a commanding 3-0 lead. Phil Galley got some more valuable time on the pitch replacing Tony Bean at the back and the game looked won. A slight scare after Stamford pulled 1 goal back but it was too late for them. Steve Earth replaced Mike Bracegirdle upfront for the last couple of minutes to see out the game. In all two great performances from the team and brilliant league debuts from Andy Goodley, David Szydlowski and Rob Taylor.
Two great wins for Whites
A great 2nd round of matches for the whites today in division 3. First up were Harborough Hornets Greens. Whites made a great start playing well, creating many chances with little in response from the opposition, however for all the good play the score remained goalless at the break. Tony Fry and Phil Cooper were introduced at half time with the former playing a defensive role which allowed Mike Wells to get forward more into midfield and join the attack. This change in formation paid off and Mike Wells broke the deadlock shortly afterwards. Hornets leveled the game after just a few minutes with a well worked move. Harborough were then penalized for their 4th running offence, which resulted in a penalty to Whites. Mike Wells slotted the ball in the net low to the left of the keeper. June Bond came on for the injured Barry Lyon late on and Whites saw out the game with a 2-1 win.
2nd up for whites were Whittlesey Athletes. This was a very close game and chances were few. With Barry Lyon injured James Collins started up front, both side had a share of opportunities but non were taken and so the score remained goalless for the first half. Phil Cooper replaced James Collins at half time, and it was Phil Cooper that got the goal to take the lead. June Bond came on to replace Paul Campling midway through the second half and Whites stood firm under some sustained pressure. James Collins came back on for the last 2 mins after Captain Peter Paget was winded to see out the game for a one nil win. Vince Machett had two excellent games in goal doing everything he needed to do well making some good saves. Captain Peter Paget lead the team well and all team members played there part in two excellent results.
Well done to both squads today in what was a great day for the club with 4 excellent results. All games played in the right manner and refereed well. Also a big thankyou to all who came along to support Club. The club is evolving in our long term plan as we all hoped it would.
On to November, Go Steelers.
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