Scorpions get stuck in the mud

Dunmow United Tigers 5 – 3 Scorpions
Jake
Archie (2)

Today the Scorpions were on the road at the tricky and very boggy pitch at Dunmow to face the dangerous Dunmow Untied Tigers.

We knew today would be tough after a 5-4 defeat earlier in the season and we knew from that match that the Tigers like to play it long. With this in mind we decided to try something new playing 2 in defence to try to eradicate the threat of the long ball.

After drilling the boys in training to start fast and to be focused we were the complete opposite at the start of the match conceding a really sloppy goal with just a minute on the clock.

With encouragement being shouted at the boys from the management team and spectators alike the team started to rally and after just two minutes from conceding Jake found himself running through on goal. In previous weeks he may have lost composure or gone for power, but today he executed the most delicate and cheeky of chips, looping the ball over the keeper and into the net – a lovely finish to make it 1-1

More bad defending, losing our markers and not dealing very well with the long ball saw us concede the next 2 goals before Archie and Jake combined well down the left wing. That passage of play resulted with Archie finding himself in the box, and with it all to do a swivel past the defender then another turn past the goalkeeper saw him tap into an empty net - a very composed piece of play from our top marksman. 3-2

The Tigers were still very dangerous and Poyraz in particular was finding himself constantly isolated against 3 Tiger's players. He had his work cut out today and did so well breaking up play and transitioning the ball into midfield. He also made some outstanding last ditch tackles to stop us conceding further. Caspar was also working very hard as our defensive midfield player, tirelessly running the ball out from the back - he just needed to release the ball a little quicker which was proving difficult with the playing surface. 3-2 at Half time and all to play for.

The Scorpions started the second half much better with the Tigers playing a more defensive formation. That played into our hands and two shots from Archie were smartly saved. A chance then fell to Mason and his tenacity almost paid off as he stretched a toe to poke to ball towards goal only to see his chance agonisingly cleared off the line. That ball was then punted forward and again the Scorpions were caught from a long ball conceding a forth.

The Tigers were now showing more attacking intent and found themselves through on goal but some brilliant tracking back from Jake allowed him to make a last ditch tackle to stop a clear shot on goal. Tor was then called into action making a fine save to his left. With Lucas playing in midfield he was retaining the ball well and the team were really trying their hearts out to get back into the game. Another goal from Archie made it 4-3 and it was all to play for going into the final seconds of the match

With the Scorpion's pushing desperately for an equaliser we were again caught on the break right at the death with the final score finishing 5-3 to Dunmow United Tigers.

A really tough match today against a good team who play to their strengths on a terrible playing surface. The Scorpions played some nice football at times but our slow start cost us as it has in other matches this season. In training we were trying to get the message across to concentrate and to be focused going into today's match as against the best teams in our league we have to play our best or we will lose. Today epitomised that - when we switched off we conceded and when we switched on we were the better team. No one can fault the effort today and everyone put in a shift, ultimately we can feel a little unlucky to come away with a defeat.

Last game of the year next week, lets make it a good training session on Saturday and take that positivity into the match on Sunday – Well done everyone, excellent effort.

Scorpion of the Match – Jake

Scored a super goal to bring his team level and carried the ball out of midfield to put us on the attack on multiple occasions. He has shown his frustration in recent weeks when he isn't found when in space but today as acting captain his attitude was exemplary. He was always looking for a pass, tracked back and defended well and was our most dangerous player in possession - Well done.