Chatham Cup Match Day Report vs Cambridge Reds 15 May 2021
Match Day Report from our 1st Team Coach, Glen Jones aka, Gaffe !
"It was a fantastic opportunity for the first team to showcase our progress as a unit against top quality opposition in the Cambridge Reds. In the build up to the game we focused on moments of transition as we believed this would be the deciding factor in the game and this wasn’t far from the truth.We fielded a strong team even with 3 injuries in the squad and we came out of the blocks strong and controlled the first 10 minutes of the game. We were unlucky not to be a goal ahead with a great opportunity between Vikita and Andrew and this may have changed the course of the game. However Cambridge regained control in the second 10 minutes of the half and took the lead after we failed to regain possession from a goal kick and track a midfield run on goal. The remainder of the half was split in control and we had some great attacking opportunities and play and we only lacked a clinical pass or shot in the final third of the pitch to clinch a goal back. Cambridge took another opportunity to go into the half with a 2 - 0 lead.
The team were confident they could score and knew that we had the quality to match Cambridge and all throughout the game we maintained a sharp level on par with our opposition with the crucial difference being match fitness.The second half we competed well but were unable to get ourselves back into the tie. Cambridge scored a third quickly after the break after a sharp turn in the box. Even with this third goal heads did not drop and we continued to apply pressure. Steve West made some sharp saves in goal to keep the team in the game when Cambridge did apply pressure.
We had some great attacking chances and unfortunately like Cambridge were not clinical enough to capitalise on chances we should have taken.I could not be prouder of the team and the journey so far as we look now to tackle the league and AFF knockout cup. This game highlighted that this is the level we should be playing at and that although there is plenty to work on we are improving as a unit.A massive thank for Cambridge for travelling up to Seaside park, it was fantastic to host you here and we look forward to playing again in future. Also a massive thank you to the referee team, the game was played in great spirits from both teams so I hope it was an easy one for you.And finally a thank you to all of our supporters and volunteers, you all made the fixture fantastic and everyone in the squad enjoyed playing in this fixture. We all look forward to continuing to represent otahuhu United to the best standard possible on your behalf and we truly appreciate the support and work you all put into the club.
GOALS:Cambridge FC: 13" (17: Aston Hurd) 32" & 48" (12: Thomas O'Leary)