| Team | CoB Men’s 2nd Team |
| Opponent | Atherstone Adders 4s |
| Date | September 21, 2024 |
| Result | Win |
| Score | 3 – 1 |
Goal scorers: Jeevan Chagger x2, Ian McGuigan
Another double header this week with our Men’s 1stXI and 2ndXI both facing teams from Atherstone Adders.
With Captain Edan out on the sidelines through illness, Jeevan was stand in captain with a much changed usual line up. An opportunity to try different combinations. The team also welcomed back Jahed following an absence for work.
The game started off evenly with CoB and Adders sharing the possession. Ian, Jamie and Matt at the back tried their best to keep Adders at bay with Jeevan, Jahed and Ben just in front supporting. A few early errors saw Adders have chances but Jack and Jamie (who continued his fine performance following his debut and MOTM last week) worked well to clear the lines. A succession of short corners allowed the team good practice, keeping the visitors at bay. Andre, Ethan and Isa grew into the game taking the ball well and showing confidence on the ball with Stan and Anthony played in on goal. Ben had a chance early on but Adders were wise to it and thwarted his solo run cutting out his multiple options. The scores remained 0-0 at the break.
Half time and the positives of working together and trusting each other were evident, but the team needed to work closer together.
Second half and CoB started off brightly, Isa and Ethan demanding the ball out wide with Sean supporting as a sub. One great play saw Jamie and Ethan combine to set Jeevan free, his shot initially saved by the keeper but Anthony followed up and created an opening, Jeevan crashing the ball past a stranded keeper and defence. CoB held the lead for some 5 minutes before Adders pulled it back from a well worked goal into the back post. A short corner, the first for CoB and Jeevan saw his low flick saved on the line by a players body. Penalty Stroke and Ian stepped up and made no mistake. In the closing moments, Jeevan was found again by Ethan, holding the ball up and slotting home before being clattered by the opposition Keeper.
The final whistle near and CoB still commanded the possession with Isa, Andre and Ethan working well with Stan and Jahed to find the gaps and pressurise the visitors.
Next week the Men’s 2ndXI hope to welcome the return of Edan away at Barford to open their season campaign .