Our first match since November due to the bad weather so it was nice to get out into the fresh air on a Sunday morning again.
Although it was chilly and muddy, at least it wasn’t raining and the sun even made an appearance at times.
First Half
Ethan was making his debut up front with Noah and Alex playing on the wings. Alex was put through on goal for an early chance but was forced wide by defenders and the move fizzled out. Then Barnham had a chance but their player shot over the bar.
Noah then tried a long range effort but it went over the crossbar, then Massimo weaved through the Barnham defence but his diving shot went inches wide.
Then Predators went ahead. A Barnham defensive mix-up resulted in the ball dropping to Noah who broke through on goal and hit a firm shot towards the goal giving the keeper no chance.
Predators were working well together and creating chances for a few players, including Isaac and Ethan whose shots were both well saved by the Barnham keeper.
Barnham had their chances too including one effort which looked like it was going in but just squeezed wide of the post.
Predators then won a free kick on the halfway line which Jacob took, trying a ‘Jacob special’ but it went over the bar.
The Preds defence were working hard to snuff out Barnham attacks and one such foray was thwarted by a strong tackle by Maciek.
Ethan won a corner which Noah took but it went straight to the Barnham keeper. There was time for one final Predators attack before half time when Isaac passed to Ethan but his shot was blocked.
Half time : 1-0
Second Half
Predators made a couple of substitutions at the start of the second half with Kallen coming on for Ethan and leading the forward line. Barnham won a couple of corners in close succession but they were dealt with by the Predators defence, and in fact both teams were defending well and limiting the chances available.
Josh came on for Noah and was busy on the right wing, tracking back to defend as well as supporting the attackers. Alex made a great run on the left and unselfishly passed in the box but the ball was blocked by Barnham and cleared.
Another attack was started by Dom who tackled a Barnham player and then passed to Mass who dribbled the ball up the field but couldn’t break through the defence.
Ethan then came back on for Kallen and immediately Predators doubled their lead. Daniel played Mass through with a great pass, and Mass weaved his way into the area and placed the ball perfectly in the corner of the net.
Barnham immediately went on the attack when a goal kick wasn’t dealt with by the Preds defenders putting a Barnham striker through on goal. Ryan almost saved it but despite getting a hand to it, it still went past him and into the goal.
Predators then brought on Michael for Josh and Noah for Alex, and it was a nailbiting last few minutes as they defended their narrow lead. But eventually the ref blew the final whistle and the team could celebrate a hard fought, closely contested win.
Final Score : 2-1
