Although the one sided score-line did not completely reflect the balance of play, it highlighted perfectly the missing ingredient in Pinner’s game – hunger. With Ickenham quicker to react, especially around the penalty box, Pinner were always going to be second best in this match.
With George starting in goal and Dylan and Louis in defence, Pinner started brightly enough and created a couple of chances early on, but Ickenham showed their potential when George was forced into a good early save and Louis called upon to head the follow-up shot off the line. After 12 minutes Madian replaced George in goal, and Hinay (making his Pinner debut) was introduced for Harry. With Cfir up front, supported by Robert in centre midfield, Pinner pushed forward and Cfir was through on goal a number of times but was unable to find the angle for the shot.
Ickenham came straight back though and in their next attack, started off by their skilful left winger, three quick passes were strung together and with the defence caught flat footed, the ball was passed into Pinner’s net for their 1st goal.
Despite a great run through the midfield by Hinay to put Cfir through on goal again, Pinner were unable to get on the scoresheet. Even with a Robert free-kick and Hinay’s powerful ‘Rory Delap style’ throw-in dropping into the box, Ickenham were quicker to the ball and cleared their lines. With a minute remaining of the first half, Ickenham were through and only an excellently timed and typically strong tackle from Dylan averted another goal. The respite was only short lived, though, as the resultant corner was directed into our goal as Robert tried to clear the ball. 2-0 to Ickenham at half time.
Following a stern but encouraging team talk by Phil at half-time, Pinner bounded into the game with renewed vigour, but this was short lived as Ickenham’s striker shot on goal and was then quickest to react to the rebound for their third goal.
With five minutes gone of the second half, James was introduced on the right wing for Louis and Harry replaced Madian in goal. Ickenham continued to press forward and minutes later, following a goal-mouth scramble, a half-volley screamed into the Pinner net for their fourth goal.
Despite the scoreline, Pinner started to string together a few passes and create a few shooting opportunities. With James combining well with Hinay in midfield to provide a few half-chances for Cfir, Pinner showed they could create opportunities, but unfortunately none of them was able to be converted. Chalang was introduced after 18 minutes and he threw himself into every tackle with his usual commitment and energy, but this wasn’t to be Pinner’s day and moments after Harry had saved a goal-bound shot at his right post, Ickenham were through again to round off the 5-0 defeat.
Phil’s after-match debrief reiterated the half-time speech, emphasising the need to be ‘hungrier’ than the opposition and ‘quicker to react’ and these were the key elements to the defeat. Whilst Pinner created the chances, more fight was needed across the field if they are to start winning again. Similarly, there was lots of bunching in the play today and more thought was needed to positional awareness and utilising the spaces on the pitch.
Chalang was awarded Man of the Match, not just for this performance but for his great commitment to the team – always ready and willing to do the job needed of him without complaint. Well done.
Man of the Match Chalang |
