Scorpions hold on for all 3 points

Sunday 20th Sept 2020

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Heybridge Swifts Phoenix 2 - 3 Scorpions

Jake M (Jake B assist)
Mason
OG (Mason assist)

Another win on the road for the Scorpions in what was a very tough match in the afternoon heat.

The game started evenly with the Blues (today playing in red) trying to play the ball around but struggling with the conditions and the rock hard pitch. Early highlights saw some nice early work from Jake M earning a corner and a nice shot from Archie was well held by the Swifts' keeper. However, the first attack from our hosts saw a high looping ball bounce off the surface and fly over Tor's head, and an unfortunate goal saw us trailing after 6 minutes. 1-0

The Scorpions were not looking their usual fluid self and were really struggling to get into the game but a beautiful through ball from Jake B found Jake M, and although his initial effort was well saved he tucked away the rebound nicely with his left foot. 1-1

The Swifts were continuing to pump the ball forward and long goal kicks were putting pressure on our defence but Caspar was on hand with George and Lucas at the back to clear the danger and continue to play the ball forward.

An amazing run from Jake B taking on at least 4 players saw him running towards goal but he just couldn't find the finish his skillful play deserved.

Further chances for Mason and we were unfortunate not to be ahead, but 15 mins in and we were punished finding ourselves behind again, more sloppy play allowing Heybridge a tap in. 2-1

A free kick from Caspar from his own half was clawed away and Jake M fired a shot just wide, and that brought the half to an end with the blues trailing 2-1.

At half time the boys were read the riot act. No passing, poor positional play and all the attributes we come to associate with the team were missing. We needed to improve and fast.

The second half started much better for the blues and were looking far more like themselves. A beautiful run from Mason down the left saw him get to the byline and somehow he found a magical finish to slot the ball into the goal from an impossible angle. 2-2

The blues were still under pressure from a very physical Swifts' side but continued to defend resolutely. Before long the Scorpions found themselves leading for the first time in the game when a lovely corner from Mason hit a defender and flew into the net 2-3

A good free kick from Jake B was well saved and further chances for Jake M, Connor, Caspar and Archie should have given us more daylight as the seconds continued to tick down.

With what must have been half a minute left of regulation play the Swifts found themselves through on goal with their striker hitting a powerful shot to Tors left, but am absolutely world class save pushed the ball for a corner and kept the Blues ahead until the final whistle. Full time 2-3

A very tough game today not made any easier form a lot of sloppy play from the Scorpions. The conditions in terms of heat and pitch didn't help but we defended brilliantly today and showed an incredible amount of character. The second half was much much better and to win games when we are nowhere near our best at this level is very encouraging - but let's make sure next match we show more focus and make sure we keep in our positions and play the ball around more.

Scorpion of the match - Caspar Merry

Brilliant performance at the back from Cas today. He nullified their attack and was scrapping away with everyone in what was a very physical encounter. His strength on the ball and in the tackle was invaluable today and without doubt made the difference. . Well done