After three weeks of training our Eagles made the short trip to Guildford to take on a very talented Nomads team. Albury knew this was going to be a their toughest test to date but it was also a chance to test themselves against some very good players. One of those players was a familiar face! W probably our best player last season had left Albury in the summer to join Nomads and it was lovely to see the boys catch up with him.
P1 - Albury started well, battling all over the pitch and going toe to toe with the Nomads. Alfred was a rock at the centre of defence, protecting Tommy very well in goal. Wing backs Max and Digby kept their positions well but were pinned back in defence, unable to attack down the flanks. Leo and Rui were battled well in the midfield but were unable to hurt the Nomads and get any meaningful attack formed. Tommy in goal was immense, making a string of fine saves to keep the home side scoreless. Tommy insured the opening period stayed goalless with save after save including a push around the post and a flying midair save for the cameras, plus several goalmouth scrambles that had both sets of supporters applauding in appreciation. Albury were pumped, having drawn the first period, I was so pleased for them. One down, three to go!
P2 - began as the first had finished with Eagles working hard for each other and defending in numbers. However, the Nomads were starting to shoot from distance and really testing Tommy. An effort from 20+ yards flew over Tommy and into the top corner to give the hosts a deserved lead. Albury didn’t let their heads drop, particularly Digby who then found space on the right, doing well to keep the ball in and flying down the wing. The Albury crowd urged him on and his shot was only parried by the keeper and Rui was there to tap the ball into the net to level the scores, 1-1! The cheer from the boys and parents could be heard back in Albury! Halfway in the match and the boys were all square, a great achievement.
P3 - saw the Eagles begin to tire and loose a bit of their shape and organisation. The desire to get a second goal and the effort used in defending so hard gave the Nomads the space that hadn’t been there in the first half. Nomads used it to their advantage scoring three times to take a 4-1 lead. An unfortunate goal from a corner lead to a few cross words which showed Eagles desire to win but they didn’t give up.
P4 - Eagles put the third period behind them and started again, keen to at least draw the final ten minutes. Unfortunately, we briefly lost Digby and Alfred and Nomads scored a 5th goal which allowed us to bring on an extra player. Digby returned with a license to roam and Alfred replaced Jack who had worked his socks off in the midfield. Rui continued to run himself into the ground as did Max, but Eagles just couldn’t get a second goal.
Albury may have lost but I couldn’t have been more proud of the boys. For 20 mins they went head to head with a very talented team and matched them! Defending for so long was always going to tire our boys which showed in the later periods but they worked so hard and should be proud of their efforts. The match was played in great spirits, with very pleasant Nomads coaches who were complimentary of Eagles defensive efforts and very gracious in victory.
Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn! Today we learnt a lot and are a better team as a result. Well done to all the boys, I was so proud of you today, this was probably one of your best team performances despite the result.
Turns out you can park a brightly coloured bus at the Surrey Sports Park and get away with it. Well, for 20 mins at least!
Eagle of the Week - Tommy.