Our first visit to Davenham. Nice compact ground a bit like the car park!
This was the second game of the morning and followed a very competitive, close game which was played at a very high tempo and was really enjoyable to watch. It had resulted in the first defeat of the Egerton season and maintained Davenham's unbeaten run.
As a result from the moment I blew the first whistle, it was clear that both teams were going to give it their all and the game was played at an electric pace. Really gutsy challenges from the off, a few yards taken on many throw ins. The stops in the game were due to pretty heavy knocks never ever appearing to be through malice or intent, just sheer determination, speed of play and occassional clumsieness. Players after heavy knocks were still determined to play on.
Some decisions were mine to make this week despite others wanting to help me with my thought process. The third Egerton goal was following a pull back from the white line - two Davenham Dads and one defender were confident the ball had gone out - I didn't see that and allowed the goal - I was grateful for the mature way they took the ref's decision as final - if I had been wrong, it was an honest mistake. I hope I was right, because I know how an injustice can feel.
Some high passion amongst the coaches this week, Lee might be a blue, but he did a good Sir Alex impression briefly which made me smile.
Did you notice our equivalent of a beach ball on the pitch in the second half? As Egerton were streaming forward I saw out of the corner of my eye a toddler being dragged from the penalty spot by his/her Mum. I can confirm, had a shot been deflected into the goal by their head, I would have stopped the game and restarted with a drop ball!
Once again a joy to watch two teams giving 100%, playing fast flowing skillful football. The attitude in both defeat and victory was a credit to players, managers, coaches and parents. Thank you Davenham for a great morning's entertainment. I'm off for a lie down.
This weeks man in black was sponsored by Specsavers
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The best way to restart after an injury stoppage? Rules would say a 'competitive' drop ball. After trying this against Winsford and finding not all of the team understood what we were trying to do - latching on to the attempt to pass back to the keeper and score!!, this week I encouraged the team who had an injured player to kick the drop ball straight into touch for the other team to resume with a throw in. Not what the 'law' requires, but a good sporting response, and it was adopted by both sides without contention. Nice ethics lads.
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