It was a horrible grey and drizzly morning for the home fixture against Football First Academy. The pitch held up well to the rain which had fallen heavily overnight and the pitch was perfect for quick, zippy passing. In short - a lovely morning for football!!

The lads were playing in their new 2020/21 match kit - which had finally arrived for the fourth game of the season. The bright red shirts certainly adding some colour to the dark/miserable weather.

The opponents FFA had come from Coalville, Leicestershire, and they started the game very quickly. in only the second minute some lovely forward play from their number 10 resulted in Myron making an excellent diving save, before pouncing on the rebound.
The boys could get to grips with the high intensity attacking style of FFA, and they were clearly on top. A couple of last gasp tackles stopped more shots reigning in on Myron. But the visitors did deservedly take the lead on 6 minutes. A low drive from the edge of the box beating the despairing drive and creeping inside the bottom right hand corner. 0-1.

It took 10-15 minutes for United to get a grip of the game. Slowly but surely the lads gained a foothold in the game. Jack released Finlay through on goal but as the keep rushed out Fin could only prod it wide of the post.

Another chance came and went as Cian received the ball back to goal - rolled his opponent and smashed a drive over the bar.
The lads were now clearly on top. Chances were coming and it seemed only a matter of time before the equaliser came.
After some good play in and around the edge of the box, George hit a nice effort that the keeper done well to save.

Half way into the first half and the first wave of subs came on. Jacob, Jake and Luke entering the pitch.
Jacob came into a holding role in midfield, allowing Luke to play a more expansive role with a bit more freedom.
Luke's high intensity and non stop running was causing problems. And he had the next opportunity. After running off the back of Cian, he showed desire and commitment to go in for a 50/50 with a defender and the keeper. Unfortunately the ball again going just wide.

FFA still looked threatening - but very much on the counter now. Their two lively forward players were being marshalled well by the defence.
Myron comfortably gathered a shot from the edge of the box, and when the winger on one of very few occasions got the better of Harry, Myron palmed the cross out and Aidan cleared the ball to safety.

By now Jake was on the pitch. His direct running causing problems for the full back. But it was some excellent corner deliveries that brought about more chances. Aidan lashing a loose ball from one of these corners towards the goal, the defenders blocking well.

29 minutes in and the pressure finally told! some nice football from Ollie and Jacob in the centre of the pitch, found Cian wide on the right he drilled across into the box, the defenders slicing the ball under pressure into the net via the goalkeeper. 1-1. Thoroughly deserved.

Lennon had entered the pitch in a deep midfield role. And with his first touch he almost put United in front. Another excellent corner delivery from Jake fell to Lennon but he couldn't quite get his strike off cleanly. The rebound then put over the bar.
Lennon was showing assurance on the ball. and really nice passing move involving Fin, Luke and Lennon led to Lennon hitting a left footed effort at the keeper.

The lads were caught with a sucker-punch 1 minute before half time. After having 25 minutes of domination and multiple opportunites to score FFA went up the other end and put the ball in the net. A cross shot from the right was parried by Myron and the number 10 was on hand to flick the ball into the net. A cruel goal to concede. 1-2

Half Time came and the message was more of the same. We were on top and we could definitely get back in this game. The next goal was crucial, but we were playing well.

Tom came on at left back for Mick, with Harry moving sides to operate on the right. The lads started the game on the front foot. Cian having a snap shot wide and Lennon also dragging wide from the edge of the box.

FFA had an excellent opportunity to extend the lead when racing clear of the backline, however Myron made an excellent save with his feet to keep the striker out and prevent him notching his hat trick.

A free kick in a dangerous position was smashed high and wide by Cian, and another free kick was played straight into the keepers arms.
Chances were still coming - but as in previous weeks we were not clinical when the chances fell to us.

The FFA keeper kept his team in front with a fantastic low diving save in the 55th minute. Jack who was releasing the ball early and playing some nice passes, fed Fin he took a couple of strides forwards before hitting a powerful long range effort that was tipped around the post.
By this point Luke had moved back to full back position so we could put Tyra and Cian up front as a two. His pace was nullifying the threat from the dangerous number 10.

The lads got themselves an excellent and fully deserved equaliser on 56 Minutes, Jack Released Fin just inside his own half. He started on a run that took him past 3 players. Initially looking like he had done too much his pace and power tore through the defence, as he reached the penalty area he laid it off to Tyra who quickly got the ball out of his feet and hit it right footed low and into the bottom corner. 2-2.

The game started to get a bit stretched as both teams searched for the winner. FFA hit the bar when played through, the flag was up though so wouldn't of counted. And some last ditch defending from Aidan and Mick forced the forward wide and blocked when clean through.

Tom was having a really good second half and some surging runs down the left flank caused problems, one low cross into the box just evaded Cian. Another cross this time from the other flank from Tyra again reached Cian his turn and shot scuffed wide.

United thought they had gone infront when Tyra beat the defender and keeper to the ball and lifted it into the net. The call was offside. It seemed tight, but the linesman's flag was up.

Another really good move between the lines, led to Fin flicking the ball up, turning and vollying towards goal. The power was there but the accuracy was a little off as it went straight at the keeper. The boys just seemed to not be getting the rub of the green.

And so it proved......... one minute before the end FFA got a corner. A good delivery into the box, and a towering header down and into the bottom corner for what was to be the decisive goal. A cruel ending to the game. 2-3.

An excellent game of football, played out by two good sides. United didn't deserve to lose the game, and for a second home game in a row, a late goal proved to be our undoing. Lets hope for no more late goals conceded next week.

Overall though a good performance, with some of the best football played since the team came together. The side are gelling well, and the signs are positive.

Banbury United 2 Football First Academy 3