Played at RAF Cosford
Thurs 4 November 2010
With a squad of 18 players to select from, the RAF Men’s Senior Representative Team included a selection of players that impressed at the White Cup with 2 players making the starting XI. Expecting a tough match from a highly capable Police Team, the RAF started the game in a determined manner and flew out of the blocks from the whistle. Within 2 mins the RAF took advantage of a slow start by the Police when a cross from SAC Brownhill (RAF Benson) was converted by SAC Lawrie (RAF Kinloss) to give the RAF the lead.
This gave the RAF confidence and a platform to build upon in wet and windy conditions. A free-kick awarded to the RAF for a late challenge on Cpl Jordan (RAF Brize Norton) led to a period of sustained pressure with the Police defending back-to-back corners well and scrambling the ball away. However, despite their resolute defence, the Police conceded a second goal after 13 mins with SAC Lawrie crossing for SAC Brownhill to finish smartly to make it 2-0.
The RAF midfield duo of Sgt Fuller (DCAE Cosford) and SAC Thomas (MOD St Athan) dictated the match as the RAF looked to play an expansive game. It took a good tackle from Matt Shorrocks on the RAF Captain, SAC Thomas, to prevent a third RAF goal after 19 mins. Playing a 3-5-2 formation, the RAF were able to get the ball into wide areas and attack the Police down either flank with Cpl Jordan, SAC Brownhill making good use of the space and linking well with SAC Lawrie. However, the Police were keen to counter-attack and a good shot by Matt Cefith led to a goal mouth scramble that was cleared to Simon Cuthbert. The resulting cross was then narrowly headed over by Matt Cefith for the best chance of the half for the hardworking Police.
The RAF continued to press high up the pitch causing the Police to misplace passes. This allowed the RAF to create chances and a neat interchange between the RAF players opened up the Police after 39 mins. SAC Thomas played the ball into the feet of SAC Lawrie, who subsequently produced a step-over to allow the ball to go to Cpl Watkins. Spotting the intelligent run of SAC Lawrie, Cpl Watkins played a great pass into box only for SAC Lawries shot to be saved excellently by the Police keeper, Dave Long.
At the start of the second half, SAC Grove (RAF Odiham) replaced SAC Taylor (RAF Benson) as the RAF looked to build on the good first half. On 49 mins, SAC Thomas tried to lob the keeper following a poor defensive clearance, but his effort just drifted over. Following this, a series of challenges from both teams ensured that the game continued in its highly competitive style; unfortunately, this lead to the first booking of the game following a rash challenge by SAC Thomas on Matt Shorrocks. The game continued to ebb and flow with the RAF looking dominant in defence and midfield. This dominance allowed the RAF to introduce Cpl Henley (Corsham) for the impressive Cpl Williams (DCAE Cosford). However, the game changed following the award of a controversial penalty on 64 mins. SAC Lawrie was judged to have been brought down in the box following a good tackle by the Centre-half, Tony Fontelle. SAC Lawrie subsequently failed to convert the penalty following a good save by Dave Long; unfortunately for the Police, the rebound fell to Cpl Watkins who slotted the ball into the back of the net. Winning 3-0, the RAF made further changes introducing SAC Gilbert (RAF Cottesmore) and Cpl Budgen (RAF Honington) for SAC Brownhill and Cpl Watkins. Despite these changes, the game remained an open and attacking match with both teams looking to play attractive football. The final goal of the game was scored from a free kick that was placed in the bottom left hand corner by the excellent SAC Lawrie on 70 mins. As the game went into the final 20 mins, Cpl Jordan was replaced by SAC Lowe (RAF Benson) and the RAF continued to press high up the pitch to deny the Police any meaningful possession in the attacking third. Cpl Horne (RAF High Wycombe) and SAC Jones (RAF Waddington) replaced Cpl Pierce (MOD St Athan) and SAC Thomas with Cpl Horne making an immediate impact when he delivered a great cross for Cpl Budgen that was saved well by the Police keeper. The final substitution of the game saw SAC Fish (RAF Marham) replace Flt Lt Bowden (RAF Honington) on 83 mins. The RAF continued to dominate to the end of the game and were worthy winners, although the Police may feel aggrieved at the score line. Overall, the RAF looked strong throughout the core of the team with Cpl Pierce in defence, SAC Thomas in midfield and SAC Lawrie upfront excelling.
The integration of the inexperienced players selected from the White Cup with the core of the Senior Representative Team was a major positive and bodes well for the future. The RAF Senior Representative Team’s next fixture is against the Prison Service at Oadby Town FC on Wed 15 Dec.