The Mikes Unlucky

Bad decision robs Mikes

The Mikes travelled to Hethe Playing Fields for a League game against Brackley Town Under 18’s and with Jake and George not available and with a long trip and on a bad pitch with minimal changing facilities the game would be a tough one for the Mikes.

The Mikes started the game well moving the ball well and stretching the Brackley defence but the first chance for the Brackley side came on 7 minutes when their No.16 broke clear but Finlay made up ground to make a great block and keep the score level, neither side was really testing the others keeper until 25 minutes when Casey made a good save from a flick header from a corner but after several contentious offside decisions against the Mikes on 27 minutes a free-kick was played in and Hayden scored but it was ruled out for offside against another player even though they were not interfering with play and after an argument with the Referee, Andy was sent from the touchline to cool down, the first half was very scrappy but on 30 minutes Casey made a good low save from the Brackley No.9 effort but the score remained even at the half.

The second half stared as the first did with neither side really getting a hold of the game but on 50 minutes Max was fouled on the edge of the area and as Jack lifted the ball over the wall the keeper seemed to have it covered but edged forward allowing the ball to go over him into the net and make it 1-0. This shocked the Brackley side into life and on 57 minutes Casey tipped over a free-kick from the No.16 and on 59 minutes some great defending by Finlay saw him head the ball over the bar after Casey had been beaten, but a minute later from a speculative Brackley shot the ball deflected straight to the No.10 to slot home and make the score 1-1. Although Brackley were on top at this time the Mikes still had chances as on 60 minutes Harry broke down the wing and delivered a great ball into the box where Ryan attacked the ball but with the goal at his mercy missed the target. Brackley were now going for the win and on 64 minutes Casey made a great diving save from a shot from just outside the area and on 64 minutes they took the lead when a defensive mix up by Les and Casey allowed the Brackley No.9 through on goal to score into an empty net. The Mikes stared to push on and grab a equaliser but just could not find the final pass and with the last kick of the game the Brackley No.16 broke away and attacked the area before a couple of step overs allowed him to fire past Casey at the near post and make it 3-1.