Easton Cowboys 4 v 1 EMFC

January 14th 2024

Venue - Clifton College Sports Ground (3G)

TEAM: Josh, Manny, Craig, Jason L, Ben C, Stu K, Jamie, Arron, Simon R, Morgs, Jon C

Subs - James Philpott, Andy M

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INJURIES Monday knew this game had very important repercussions depending on the result. Games against Easton Cowboys were always close. Monday had won the 'home' fixture but the game was being played on the horrible 3G pitch due to nowhere else being available.

Monday were hit hard by injuries in the lead up to this game and were missing a lot of '1st teamers' for one reason or another.

Monday got off to a terrible start going 2-0 down quite early on. The Cowboys goals were nearly identical. Both came from Monday mistakes firstly from Jason L and then Ben C who both tried to take a man on with out backup behind them. The Cowboys 'Australian Pro League' striker ate up both mistakes and slotted in past Josh who was fuming.

Monday did start to play the game after these mistakes but with a new formation of 4-4-2 with a new front partnership of Jon C and Morgs and things were starting to come together.  There were a few chances. A couple from Jon C and Jamie and also Arron who all fired wide from difficult positions. Monday ended the half the better team but Cowboys got their 3rd after Manny mistimed a Cowboys cross-field ball and their speedy winger stole a line and finished neatly past Josh again.

3-0 to Cowboys at half time

Despite the severe injuries before and during the game - Monday stuck it out until the end.  Stu K, Si R both came off injured and so did Jamie. Arron who had already come off injured had to sit in at right back and just hope the ball didn't come to him!

Morgs got the goal to draw it back to 3-1 after a neat finish at the back after some hard work from Jon C. Cowboys got their 4th goal though which finished Monday off. The goal wasn't even a shot but luckily flew over Josh and into the back post! Very lucky.

After this time is was very much a case of damage limitation. Cowboys had speed to burn and Monday were limping all over the field.

MOM - Stu Kelly.  Stu gave his all and ran himself (and his hamstring) into the ground. A special mention to Jon C who playing out of position put in a real shift

Onto the next