A gutsy performance

A tough away challenge against Cliftonville who if they won their 2 games in the hand would lead our league. From the push back we took the game to them, perhaps with a little too much compunction as both myself and James.N received green cards in the first 10 mins. When we got back to 11 men we scored with Freddie Hoare scoring a lovely square cut like deflected goal from a great cross from Max Moen.
As you would expect Cliftonville responded and placed pressure on us and equalised with a well worked goal. They then went ahead in the 2n half with a goal that resulted from the old man turning over possession in our own half.
However we didn't drop our heads and our motivation was spurred on by a fairly verbal Cliftonville side who resorted to personal insults as well as physical challenges. In truth, we began to meet fire with fire and sent a strong message that we wouldn't capitulate which was especially impressive considering we had 6 players under 19. With under 10 mins to go Sam Judge reacted quickest to a shot save by a GK and was badly fouled - a stroke looked likely but the umpire played advantage and this led to Freddie notching his 2nd goal after moving the ball to the right and slotting it home calmly.
A great point away from home with a squad of 12 who ran their socks off. A really pleasing performance and a nice send off to captain for the dat Max who has now departed for 3 months travelling in South America. Man of the match went to Gus Crawford, who at 14 years old, was outstanding in his debut - he made crucial saves and the future for him looks very rosy !