Down to 10 but not out

Reduced to 10 men this weekend, Tom Weller unfortunately breaking his wrist on Friday afternoon, (we hope he makes a good recovery.) Our trip to Bedford to play the Vets team was going to be a challenge.
A shortage of defenders required a different formation. So setting the team up in a 2 3 3 1 with two sweepers Dave and Tony behind a defensive 3 of Chris S, Mark and Alex we were set up to play on the counter attack, using the pace of Ian, Iain, and Chris D as a forward midfield 3 with both Iain and Ian playing wide, and Jared Ploughing a lonely furrow up front.
In the first half we were able to play a high line with Dave and Tony keeping the 2 forwards in their pockets pretty well. We created a some good chances prior to the first goal just before half time. A 4 pass move from defence on the break with Jared finding Iain who showed good calmness to place the ball under the keeper, half time 1 up.
From the start it was obvious Bedford had reacted to our formation and closed us down in midfield, this gave us more room upfront and following a quick break Chris D combined with Ian who slotted in the 2nd. The 3rd goal by Chris D came soon after once again Jared assisting Chris D. 3 up and starting to feel a bit pleased with ourselves, Chris S “now’s the time to keep a clean sheet” i with a bit of a smile on my face, and old sage Tony “these have still got a goal in them”.
Now under more pressure in midfield and getting pulled out of shape Bedford got a goal back, a lifted shot finding a defection from the centre forward gave Tony no chance.
Still under pressure and now starting to tire Tony M cleared of the line but we conceded a second goal initially saved by Tony, however Bedford reacted first to get their second.
The prospect of losing having been 3 up gave us a boost and we regained our shape and a bit more control. We conceded a short corner on the final whistle which went wide.
The defensive trio of midfield players Mark, Chris S and Alex left it all out there, couldn’t have asked for more.
The 3 forward midfield of Iain, Chris D and Ian all scored kept the width and tracked back well. Jared with 2 assists made himself available for the long ball out and held the play up to take the pressure off.
Man of the Match go’s to Iain Macpherson very well played, and a skippers commendation to Alex Archer first game as a wing back you would never have known it he linked up with Iain well and tracked back all game, a fine midfielder in the making.
Great team effort and we all knew we had been in a game as we walked off the pitch.