Men's 4s vs North Stafford 3

Telford 4s travelled to play League leaders North Stafford 3s for the season’s final game. North Stafford needed a win to secure the League and looked like they’d strengthened their team from the one Telford played in a goalless draw earlier in the season.

Will Pittson debuted for the 4s. Pre-match Chris said the team should enjoy the game but be on it from the start and not concede goals.

Unfortunately, Telford didn’t start well. After 5 minutes an under-hit aerial from Matt went straight to the opposition and they won a short off Matt’s foot, which they converted to go 1-0 up.

After 18 minutes North Stafford were awarded another short with Matt penalised for not retreating 5. The short was converted, with Dave unlucky not to block the shot enough to stop it crossing the line. 2-0 to North Stafford.

Telford started to find their form coming back into the match with some good attacks from both wings. Unfortunately, the created chances weren’t taken. The wingers also worked hard getting back into defence and putting on a good press.

At half-time, although some players were telling others what they should be doing, Chris wanted the team to be more vocal so everyone knew who they should be marking. Scotty advised the team needed to force the opposition wide and not let them hit straight into the Telford defence. The defence also wanted to see more movement to give them more passing options.

Telford started the 2nd half well, recycling the ball and the wide players again helping the defence. The midfield also stepped up their game. In the 56th minute Scotty returned to the pitch from an unexpected green card to pass to Will at the top of the D. Will reversed the ball towards goal where Matt picked it up and skilfully tapped the ball home for his 6th goal of the season.

Telford defended well despite another unexpected green card, this time for Archie. There was some good passing throughout the team, but Telford couldn’t get an equaliser. A draw was almost snatched when a last-minute short was deflected away from goal and just out of the reach of injector John’s stick.

North Stafford won 2-1 to also take the League title. However, Telford again played well, particularly in the 2nd half and were unlucky not to come away with a point.

Chris was very proud of the team and the effort displayed. As with so many games this season the team had a great 2nd half after a not so good 1st half. Chris also thanked those who had worked on the short corner routines this season, which improved in the 2nd half of the season following some team members, including some not involved in the match short corners, taking time after Tuesday night training to work on the shorts.

Will was MOTM.

A good season with the team finishing 9th following promotion last year. Everyone played well and worked hard.

Well done all!

A BIG THANK YOU to Malcolm Keeble for his wonderful match reports this season.