| Team | CoB Men’s 2ndXI |
| Opponent | Bloxwich 4 |
| Date | March 15, 2025 |
| Result | Loss |
| Score | 1 – 5 |
Goal Scorer: Muhammad Asif Khan
This week our M2s faced Bloxwich in a battle of the title contenders.
Unfortunately due to lack of players available we ended up playing with 8 players. Not to let ourselves be discouraged by this we set out with a very defensive mindset, sitting deep behind the ball allowing the opposition to come onto us and protect our own 23. However we said that at any moment we found for a counter we would take advantage.
The game started with a flurry of Bloxwich chances, peppering our defensive line but the COB boys held strong with the occasional breakaway. Despite our best efforts after 10 minutes Bloxwich started to link up well using their width and found the net twice in quick succession. The COB boys then worked hard to take the game to their opponents, the back line of Matt, Edan and Paul played a higher line, intercepting the loose passes to the Bloxwich forwards, then the midfield of Ben, Jamie and Ian linked up well with asif to move the ball forward around the pitch and create some good chances. The midfield didn’t look outnumbered at all and displayed a great array of passing between themselves. On the stroke of half time we were pinned back again by the 11 Bloxwich players and they hammered in a third.
At halftime considering the circumstances the lads were pleased with their efforts and heads remained high. Despite the scoreline the lads had enjoyed the first half, displaying some incredible hockey which at times blew the home team out of the water when they were given the chance.
As the second half began the COB boys continued to put in a spirited effort, the lads really showed their fight and determination. Pressing the home side back for long periods. After 5 minutes the boys were rewarded with a goal of their own. A lovely move that started with right back Paul who played a pass to Ben just outside the 23 who in turn found Jamie on the halfway line. Jamie then took on 4 or 5 Bloxwich players, beating them in succession to find himself deep inside the left of the D. Crossing it to Asif to slot the ball into the right hand corner of the goal, with the keeper nowhere to be seen. I think it’s fair to say the lads erupted with joy. Shortly after we found ourselves with a few more chances but just not quite being able to put them away. At around 60 minutes Bloxwich found their fourth, the goal followed by appeals for a foot by the CoB boys and the Bloxwich players’ lack of celebrations. Nevertheless, the umpire gave the decision which was a dagger through the hearts of the 2s players. The fifth and final Bloxwich goal came via a late short corner.
Despite the scoreline the lads really enjoyed this game, knowing that they really put a shift in. They demonstrated real desire and passion and wanted to win. Everyone gave 150%, forget the scoreline the lads can be really proud of their achievements. We really looked the part and I’d argue we looked a lot better than the opposition when we had the opportunity to express ourselves. All the players won their individual battles despite being outnumbered. All we can ask for each week is 100% effort and we got more than that. Next week is a 10am meet against Litchfield where the lads will go again and give it their all.
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