Men's 3rd XI vs Folkestone Optimist M8 Development

Well, this game had it all! Just enough players, passion, disagreements, cards, pens, multiple chances but no cuddly toy.

This week, the 3s returned to face Folkestone away. Cliftonville hit the ground running with their new structure and it was working well. It was all Cliftonville to begin with with chance after chance just. not. going. in. There was so much good play but The Ville couldn’t get anything on the score board. The home side grew in confidence and pushed their own attacks. An edge of the ‘D’ move, bulldozing over one of Cliftonville’s defenders was not seen as worthy of a whistle but subsequently Andy at the back won the ball but sat their attacker on the floor, too abruptly for the umpire this time, and gave the home side a penalty flick. Jude stood tall in his adopted role but couldn’t reach, so 1-0 to Folkestone. It wasn't long before another goal went in for Folkestone, a messy one this time but it was in.

“Straight back at them” was the call and the Ville were off again, strong running and more chances just not getting across the line. After continued pressure, Aron found himself in the right place at the right time and capitalised on the rebound! 2-1 back in the game! Folkestone claimed another but it was hard to work out how the home side were ahead with all the opportunities happening at the other end of the pitch. The moves continued and the Cliftonville wingers came into the game with some clever runs. A through ball to Dylan and he took the players on, skilling it on he just nudged the ball through the keeper’s legs and Cliftonville were back in the score board.

It was a stern but needed half-time talk, players knew the chances had gone and they had to take everything on offer. At 53 minutes in The Ville had a short corner. With the captain’s voice ringing in his ears and with more time than expected, Asa took-swing and hoofed it…….. Back of the net!! Straight back again! Cliftonville were back in the opponent's ‘D’ and two minutes later, at close range, Rob took Dylan’s pass and tucked it away for another! At this stage it could be said that as passions rose, the umpires wanted to stamp their authority, but it was Cliftonville who came off worse. Out came the cards and the visitors were suffering. Although it got a bit trigger happy, there was some great play and skill from Eliott who really found his form, some tasty feeds from Noah and great hustling from Finn in defence.

With a man down, it became harder to hold against the numbers and without it being too clear, another couple of pens went in. In the dying seconds of the game a Cliftonville foot stopped a clear goal for the visitors but at this stage it was still too high a hill to climb. Frustratingly it ended in a 6-4 loss. A loss yes, but not a defeat - some great play and so much to be positive about. Back to the training ground and off to the next to make the chances count. - “Up the Ville”