Another defeat but another good performance. The results are going against us and in part this is due to a shocking run of injuries that has effected just about every lunchtime Boot this season. It was a gallant performance against an excellent ACE team. Perhaps they are not the most technically gifted side, that distinction probably goes to Inter, but they are a very well drilled side that keeps possession with controlled passing and rapidly get behind the ball and close down the opposition as soon as they lose it. On a bright spring afternoon a terrific first half display saw the Boots hold back ACE and take the game to them. 0-0 at half time was a fair reflection and it could be argued that the Boots edged it; with a slice of luck a great effort from Dan would have shaved the other side of the post. The second half continued in the same vein until the deadlock was broken with a quality strike from ACE front man Phil Evans that saw him surge through the  Boots defence and slot the ball home across a helpless Gudjackson into the far corner. Within minutes it was 0-2. Another surging attack resulted in a penalty area scramble and a deflected shot into the top corner from close range. The game was starting to take its toll on the tired Boots many of whom were carrying knocks so it came as a relief when an early departure reduced ACE to six. Sensing an opportunity back into the game the Boots fought back with renewed vigour. Wes went close with a deft lob, and then Steve went close after a lovely one two with Wes – a skill boot moment. The pressure eventually told when Steve strode into the box and shot firmly into the far left hand corner of the net from the right. Clinical! But as the door of opportunity started to ease open it was slammed firmly shut with a few minutes left when ACE broke down their right and squared the ball from the by-line for a simple tap in from close range despite the desperate efforts of Gudjackson to get the ball, man or better still both – he got neither. All over red rover.
A good all round performance. Tim is always a consistent performer and has lots of running. Today it was his flying (at times literally) interceptions that stood out. Gyles played through the pain of his sore knee and produced one of his trademark “sublime turns” in the second half to leave his man for dead. Andy defended with plenty of gusto as ever and frequently quelled danger by thumping the ball as far away from the threat as he could. He even had a shot on target! Steve McManaHusbands was immense. A fantastic performance. He linked up well with Wes and went close on a few occasions before scoring with aplomb. Not only was he a threat going forward but a wall in defence. Lots of excellent tough tackling and gave Phil Evans a  time. On his return to action David (now known as Dave the Wave) ran and ran and ran. He harried and tackled and played through the pain as his heal injury flared up again. Wes battled hard and showed some lovely touches. Although he failed to add to his goal scoring tally (only just mind) he was instrumental in setting Steve up for the goal. Dan – tremendous! Hard running, tackling, passing and so nearly a goal. After a tough challenge by McMana he was heard to proudly proclaim “he’s my boss!”.