El Metodo (2) 3
Británicos (2) 3
Bates, Pernas, Lepore
@CMF Delicias 18:55 27/02/22
After a string of solid performances without the desired results, the Brits approached this game with trepidation, but quiet hope. As the sunset on a glorious evening for football, the lads warmed up with noticeable absences such as Rooney, through a niggle and a last minute pull out from Shaw. Wells once again bravely stepping up between the sticks and Wolfenden switching to cover for the missing Shaw and Rooney at the back. This was a new set-up but as the game started there was a feeling that more of the same would get a result.
The game started at the usual frantic pace with both sides trying to get a foot hold. It was the visitors who took the first big chance. A shot through a sea of legs impossible for Wells to see let alone react to before it found the far corner. The Brits went again looking for at least a glimpse of a chance but nothing seemed to run their way. Upfront they had the quality in the form of Ferro, if the Brits were to get anything from this game he would need to be kept at bay. It wasn't long before he demonstrated the threat he possessed, taking control of a good through ball and delivering a spectacular chip to make it 2-0. Frustration was etched on the exiles faces but digging deep has become a feature of this ever evolving group. Shortly before the break hope was restored, after good defending and a great pass from Wolfenden , Gilman was set free with space to run into. Opting not to shoot, he managed to find Bates in space who clinically fired in off the post to continue his great goal scoring form. Munro switched for Gilman and put in a good shift hassling players off the ball and breaking up play. It was an admirable shift from the returning winger, starting to show real hunger and a good touch. The Brits pulled themselves level with a fabulous take from Pernas, from an astonishingly tight angle, punishing El Método just before the break in a furious first half.
As the second half began, there was an intensity to the Brits play, showing determination and spirit. The game was stretched and both teams began to find room and chances. In a near carbon copy of the Brit opener Gilman again the provider linked up with Lepore and he found the corner. The Brits had their tails up. El Método weren't finished and levelled again with about 10 minutes to go with a clinical shot to the far post. The game had become an unpredictable series of misplaced passes and chaos as both teams struggled to take control or increasingly nervous about letting it slip but it was the opposition who started to press harder and the Brits had to defend with determination to weather the storm, Bates was booked for a strong challenge and then Wolfenden was added into the book. Wells was on hand to perform a pair of impressive saves but otherwise the defensive line, if nervous, held the attacks at bay. An unfortunate clash between Bates and Munro, both scrambling the ball off the line, Bates caught Munro in the back and put him out of action. Gilman returned to fray, eager to register a hat trick of assists. After a good interplay with Pernas, he thought had done just that but to the his disbelief the ref blew for offside. Gilman's frustration would however not end there when sent threw by a wonderful precision pass from Ferns , he got clean contact but could only direct the shot straight at the goalkeeper.
AS the game drew to a desperate close Bates received a second booking for holding a player back and the Brits saw out the last couple of minutes with their backs up against the wall. The final whistle was well received by two exhausted teams.
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