3 times behind, but almost stole it at the death!

The 3s travel to Wotton for the away rematch of their earlier 3-2 home win.

This past week South Berks 3s travelled the long distance to Wotton Wanderers 1s in a game that could shape the rest of the season towards potential promotion or making the final 5 games all must-wins through the home stretch against some very good sides.

A strong side rocked up to Caroline Chrisholm School along with a welcomed late addition of Ken, whom provided an extra attacking option on debut.
As the game started the team tried to set the tempo both in and out of possession of the ball.
But they soon fell behind early after Wotton converted a Short Corner, after a deflection left the ball close to the post for their striker to knock home 0-1.

As the half flowed on, there were numerous chances at both ends during long spells of possession for both teams but no one could advance the scoring past the 0-1 scoreline at half despite South Berks recieving 2 cards (Des and Mike) and being down to 10 for separate periods. However good defending and game management across these periods left the score within reach going into Half Time.

With 10 to start the half, South Berks looked to control possession off the push back and maneuvered the ball around successfully, still having control as they got back to full strength.
Shortly after, some great team play led to a short corner, where a tried and trusted set piece had Chris bury the ball in the back of the net! No chance for the keeper 1-1.
However, this deadlocked scoreline would last less than 2 minutes, as Wotton would march back down the field from what seemed like push back and regained their lead 1-2.

But just like before, the team pushed hard, piling on the pressure creating chances that would eventually lead to a a 2nd goal for the visitors.
Great work down the left side of the D, had a shot rebound into the path of Ryan, who (with practically 1 arm) couldn't miss, slotting it past the defenders to tie the game up, 2-2!

Entering the final portion of the game, South Berks looked to once again pressure their opponents and potentially steal away the 3 points. However, they couldn't hold for now, as a quick counter attack from the Wotton forwards, would once again put them up by 1, meaning South Berks had to come from behind for a 3rd time if they were to get anything out of the game, 2-3.

But cometh the hour, cometh the man as the captain called for the full press as time was winding down, Des read the defenders like a book, intercepting a pass across the backline on his reverse stick and smashing it home (also on his reverse stick), absolutely stunning the Wotton defenders, 3-3 Game On!

Into the last minute of the game and brilliant play from the forwards wins us a late short corner!
But how late? Late enough for the umpires to blow the final whistle, pushing everyone up for the last sequence of the game.
The first short was charged out hard by the defense but put on a foot at the top of the D, giving us a 2nd short corner, keeping the game alive.
The 2nd short came so narrowly close to winning us the game as a shot was deflected off the keepers pad and Bear couldn't guide the ball home from the backpost, with the final whistle blowing seconds later.

Continuous fighting spirit after going behind 3 times gave the opportunities to win it but it just wasn't to be as the game ended in a 3-3 draw.

Final Score: 3-3
Goals: Chris, Ryan, Des
MOTM: Oliver F and Alex tied with 5 votes each (even after a 2nd round of voting)
DOTD:
Ben - Not running enough (Under 5k) taken from a most deserving Mike by losing a bet