This was always going to be a tough test against a team many divisions above, without two of our usual centre backs. However, we learnt a lot from the experience and there was spirit and determination in spades during a second half. The lads actually won that half 2-0 and came off with heads high and proud. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done early in the first half in terms of the match result when, after two goals were conceded within 10 minutes, the lads lost their composure, confidence and shape. As a result, they lost control of the game and despite a late first half goal from Oliver, they were well adrift at the break and could easily have completely given up. It was a half to forget and pleasingly the lads soon did.
It really was a different Desford performance that took the hosts by surprise in the second half. It was one that was full of grit, spirit and determination to avoid a continuation, with a fair dose of great passing too. In short, the lads were simply not prepared to be second best and they rolled up their sleeves to battle for every ball right to the very end. Everyone gave their all and it was a joy to watch, as confidence soon flooded back and they found two deserved goals from Howard in the first 10 minutes of the half. That added to the belief that they could compete and even finish the better side, something they can make claim to have achieved. Louis created the first of those two goals with an outstanding counterattack that took him the length of the field and as the keeper desperately got a glove to his shot Howard was on hand for a tap in. Howard added another and at times threatened to carve the hosts open with every attack.
Junior put in one of his best performances of the year with some composed passing from full back and Todd was aggressive and brave in the challenge on the other side. Josh F and Jake came together to form a fearsome second half pairing at centre back and controlled a very good attack for a deserved clean sheet. As a back four they barely missed a tackle and bravely put their bodies in the way of everything that was thrown at them.
Oliver, Louis and Josh W took similar control of the midfield, working as a group and winning balls before feeding them to Finn and Dan O in the wider areas. Finn found some wonderful passes to put Howard away and once in the opposition half the midfield flooded forward to support.
It is certainly true that we learn more in defeat than we are likely to learn in victory. If anything, confidence was almost certainly boosted despite the defeat, largely because the lads found the solutions to a very good opposition team and put in a truly brilliant second half performance.