TIGHT AFFAIR WITH QPR

Ravenslea was host to a 3rd vs 5th battle of two sides who were synonymous in form. AFC came into the game coming away from a disappointing previous game with only vengeance and demanding justice on their mind. Their opponents were starting to creep into a habit of netting goals after putting away 10 in their last 2, so defensive structure was vital.

As expected, QPR started strong, threading passes through a very strong and physical midfield. Slippy conditions proved very challenging for the Bossie back line to handle the waves of constant pressure from the opposition front line. QPR made themselves comfortable high up the pitch in AFC territory, that didn't stop the boys in blue and black from playing their normal game in building through the thirds, a method of trial and error playing left to right trying to sneak through the high press eventually proved successful. AFC exploited the gap left by QPRs high midfielders allowed the Bosworth engine Isaac, who was filling large shoes today, to get the ball and slot a pass through to Rees who mazed past the back line of lumberjacks attempting to hack him down as he eventually takes it past the keeper and puts it home.

1-0 AFC

This seemed to set the tempo for the rest of the half, Bosworth metronome Dec in midfield set the tempo in possession as well as closing down any other defensive threats that QPR attempted to chuck in AFC’s direction.

Player of the Match - Kieron

Around this time in the game was when todays MOTM really came to life. QPRs game was physicality, Kieron matched that and then some.

Half time

1–0

Half time was a discussion of what had gone right, wrong and what will change. The first half was strong, but this gave Bossie a chance to iron out any kinks.

QPR were going to come out with the same ideology they had in the first half. A manifesto of big tackles and strength. Strong winds and big goalkicks were a topic of discussion at half time that came true in the second 45, long ball after long ball was pumped up towards the opposition wide men. Pressure was on now for AFC to deal with what has been thrown at them. Thankfully Kieron ‘Cafu’ Mecklenburgh was in fine form heading into this second battle.

AFC continued to make chances, as the owner of the best touch in the Charnwood league Alex R lands on a misplaced clearance from the keeper and narrow misses. Chances are being created.

R-bars finest Adeson looked as dangerous as ever, running with power down the left hand side causing a lot of issue for the QPR full back however the final pass or shot just never quite landed for us.

The tempo started to die down for AFC in the last 5 minutes of the game as QPR really upped it and pinned AFC back. In a moment of madness bossie concedes a corner and a player is hacked down in the box. Penalty…

Another heartbreaking equalizer sees AFC come away with only 1 point.

Next week gives AFC the chance to find winning ways again in the cup. COYB

AFCMB 1 -1 QPR