Redolence fight back to snatch win

Report

The start of 2017 found Redolence away again at Old Forge vs Golden Cross, who are high flying in the league and unbeaten in 13. Redolence boasted a healthier squad than their pre xmas fixtures, with Jonesy the only major absence. Without a recognised winger, ScotTim opted for a narrow midfield with Phil in CDM, Woody and Ant playing narrow in CM and the returning Ryan Sproston playing behind Tim and Andy. Randle, Crouchy, Jord and Max made the back 4, with Jon in goal.

The tactics were simple for the first period of the game- allow Cross space out wide to attempt to win the battle in the middle, and get out from there to the big men. Redolence stuck to this early on, at detriment to their possession, as the hosts started strongly. As strong favourites, they pushed forward and were a physical threat. With space out wide Cross dragged Redolence across the park, but the plan was largely working- Cross only threatened from crosses, which Redolence stood up well too, and some efforts from range that weren’t threatening. Despite this, Cross took the lead, having failed to clear the ball Cross worked it out wide and a miss- hit cross went over Jon and into the net. Compared to previous weeks, the response from Redolence was very supportive, and they pushed on. Tim and Andy both looking sharp and both nearly getting put clear by Ryan, who looked lively when on the ball. Tim nearly put woody clear down the right but for some good defending, and Phil made several Rambo runs which relieved pressure well. Andy had the best chance after Cross’s keeper scuffed a goal kick at him, sportingly he did scuff it straight back! To get a better foothold in the game Tim went off for Matty as Redolence went 4-2-3-1. Cross were still dominating, but Redolence were more creative going forward- Randle putting Woody away down the right who skinned his man and just sold Andy short of a great chance, the clearance dropped to Ryan who hit a brilliant strike from the edge of the area that clipped the top corner of the crossbar. Andy was looking sharp, but unfortunately his game was cut short by a knee injury, forcing Tim back on. Redolence switched back to a 4-4-2, but had a shaky end to the first half, with Cross pressing further and hitting the bar themselves. Jon also forced to make a smart save and Jord/Crouch both having to make strong tackles. At half time, Redolence were down but thanks to some dogged defending were still in the game.

HT: 1-0

Scott brought on Bowen & Stu for Randle and Woody at HT to keep things fresh, and there was plenty to play for- at 1-0 it was an open game. The second half started at a notably slower pace, Cross seemed to be a little lethargic after the break, and the game was much more evenly contested, but Cross were to add a disappointing second- their winger breaking down their right, and dragging the Redolence defence out of position for the cross striker to stroll in a finish a well place cross under little pressure. It was disappointing, but once again Redolence didn’t beat each other up and played on. Cross seemed content with a 2 goal lead, and sat back a little, giving Redolence more space to play. And play they did. Ryan was an ideal foil for Tim, and both came close to being put through. Ryan had the first clear chance, taking the ball down in the area, going past the keeper but blazing over under pressure from the Cross defence. It gave Redolence belief though, a goal was coming, and 5 minutes later it did. Ryan not giving up on a ball down the left and crossing deep to Tim, who volleyed home at the near post- Cross keeper unable to stop it. At 2-1 down it was game on, Redolence could sense there was a chance of a point….Ryan continued to be problematic, drawing a save from the keeper, and Bowen also drew a smart save from the keeper having got to Crouchys shanked free kick at the near post. The equaliser came, and was a result of determined play- Ryan got himself clear off Matty, the keeper saved it but Ryan chased down the rebound. His second attempt was saved and fell to Phil, who smartly backheeled it to the feet of Tim in free space at the edge of the area, who hammered it home. A classic Sunday league goal, and a well deserved equaliser. By this point Redolence were the better side, Cross were struggling and the complete opposite of Redolence- arguing amongst themselves and struggling to make a telling pass. Their misery continued as Redolence got themselves in front. Ant, an unsung hero for most of the match, picking up a poor clearance from the keeper and sending it back over him into an empty net. He can only score from range, and that’s his most important goal so far in his Redolence career. You can listen to it here:

At 3-2 a massive upset was on the cards and Cross switched back on, throwing everything forward to get back in the game. Defensively though Redolence were excellent- Jord and Crouch marshalling the defence brilliantly to keep a strong shape. Redolence still rode their luck, Cross hit the bar from a header off a corner, and several last gasp clearances kept Redolence in the game. Tim took himself off for Phil, and it was backs to the wall. Despite this, Redolence still came close to scoring again- Ryan nicking the ball off the last man and going clear only to drag his shot wide. It relieved pressure though, and Redolenece saw the game out in Cross’s far corner, to record an impressive underdog victory.

FT- 2-3

Surely Redolence’s finest ever result, a remarkable victory over a side that hasn’t lost in several months. Nobody had a bad game on the day, and everyone played a part in what was a true team performance. On the day, Cross were hoping to turn up and roll over their lesser opposition but found a team who simply wanted it more. The second half turn around was magnificent, and though Redolence rode their luck they could also have scored more, it wasn’t a smash and grab win. The biggest difference today compared to previous weeks- attitude. Everyone backed each other today, and everyone put a shift in. Performances like that will surely see Redolence win more games like that over the rest of the season.

Verdict