County 2nds start season with disappointing loss

Southgate County II 1-2 UCL
So the season starts again and after some promising friendly performances, there were hopes of a good game for county. County began by lining up with a 4-4-2 with Normy doing us a massive favour of going in goal. Little did we know just how much a favour it would be.
UCL utilized a three man centre midfield and the extra man in the middle made a big difference. UCL were also particularly organized and seemed very familiar with everyone on their team. Most of county’s first half was spent without the ball and restricting UCL to long shots. However, they did manage to have a few better chances with Liam Frame clearing off the line and another which their striker shot wide. Life was not made easy after County seemed to struggle to keep possession.
After a frustrating first half, County came out better in the second half. Passing improved becoming more accurate and fluid. However, a ragged run from UCL through our penalty box allowed a pass across goal to be converted for UCL, with just a hint of offside. . It was deflating. Further attacks from UCL were stopped, with even a shot need a face save from Normy. Yet, with tired legs on both sides the game opened up. County made more attacks which finally paid off with Sean Young slotting away a good shot, 1-1. Sean Young had another brilliant shot, matched by an excellent save from UCL. With time wittering away a stalemate looked on the cards but when the ball began to pinball around County’s box it managed to fall to a UCL player who smashed it in with only a few minutes left. County pushed forward but could not find an equaliser.

I think everyone will agree it was very disappointing to not get a point that our effort and dogged defending deserved. Man of the match contenders this week are with Normy for brave and impressive goalkeeping performance, Sam Thirgood for a strong and consistent game at centre back but Liam Frame gets it this week for an even better game and was the main reason for UCL being restricted to long range pot shots.