Men's 4s vs Cannock 3

Telford 4s welcomed Cannock 3s to St. Georges looking for revenge for a narrow 1-0 defeat when they played each other earlier in the season. Telford went into the match 8th in the League, a point behind 7th placed Cannock. 

Before the match Chris stressed the team should press but come back to defend as well as going forward. He identified the need to close on Cannock’s key midfielder, who ran their team.

Telford started slowly. Some inaccurate, delayed passing was picked off by or went straight to Cannock. However, Telford improved and started to take control.

Telford were making opportunities with good chances falling to Archie and Matt. Telford took the lead in the 14th minute. Aaron passed to John on the right. John dribbled down the baseline into the D to shoot. His shot was saved but rebounded to Matt to score his 5th goal of the season.

Telford doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute through a short corner. John injected to Kieran at the top of the D. Kieran passed to his left where Conor slapped the ball against the backboard for his 3rd goal of the season.

Conor picked up a green card late in the half, but it stayed 2-0 at half-time. Chris praised the team for doing well but the passing needed improvement as did receivers finding space. Coach Scott said the team should be more aggressive and repeated the need to close on Cannock’s key midfielder.

Telford continued the 2nd half on top scoring their 3rd in the 41st minute. Abraham dribbled through the centre, passed to Conor, who knocked the ball to James coming in from the left to hit the ball home for his 2nd goal of the season.

Shortly afterwards, in the 44th minute, Telford scored again from a short corner. Chris injected to Kieran at the top of the D. Kieran passed to Conor on his right this time and he struck the ball against the backboard for his 2nd goal of the game and his 4th goal of the season.

Cannock pressed for a consolation goal late on, but the team made good tackles and Brad good saves when needed as the defence held firm and Telford finished 4-0 winners.

Chris was very happy with the team’s performance. Paul was MOTM for his strong defensive performance.

The whole team played well again and were solid in defence, hardly made any mistakes once they’d warmed up. Some good skills in midfield, and particularly noted were Aaron, Abraham and Kieran making quick passes through to find good runs from Tom and Conor. Cannock were a physical side which Telford handled well. The biggest danger was from one of Cannock’s large central defenders, who continually smashed the ball in the air. Luckily, he only managed to hit and injure his own players, which he did twice. 

The win takes Telford up to 6th, ahead of Cannock and Leek, who had their game postponed. Telford are also now safe from relegation.