M&T Jaguars vs Hythe and Dibden – 6th Nov 2022

With a brief 60 minute break in the rain, the Jaguars were game on on Hythe and Didben’s 3G pitch.

It was a small pitch which unfortunately stunted our use of Harry’s pace as there wasn’t much space.

We started well though and competed excellently in midfield and defence. Thomas and Glyn were brilliant in midfield getting winners on firsts and seconds. Mally was finding lots of space and having a good impact in the game.

We deservedly took the lead when James opened up his body from the edge of the area and neatly curled into the far corner.

We didn’t sit back and pushed for a second. It soon came when Mally turned, swivelled and shot into the net.

We had chances to go further ahead. Harrison went through 1v1 but just as he was about to finish his standing foot caught the ball.

There was a turning point at the end of the half. Right in half time the whistle blew. The crowd and coaches clapped to welcome the players off and we started to leave the field. Even the player shooting looked like they thought it was half time as there was no celebrating as the ball went into an unguarded net.

Unfortunately it was a whistle from another pitch. This was hard to take but nothing could be done.

Unfortunately this rocked us. We need to be mentally stronger and deal with problems and move on.

Half Time Hythe 1 – Jaguars 2

We didn’t get going in the second half as Hythe came right back at us with new found confidence.

They soon equalised and then went 3.2 up. Both from crosses we should be dealing with.

Glyn and Aidan came back on and injected the determination we needed. The tide changed again and it was back on. We pushed and an equaliser was coming as long as we kept them out on the counter attack. Eddie was immense at the back and William made one outstanding goal saving tackle. It was win or red and he timed it just right.

We got our rewards when a nice shot from Theo was well saved by the Hythe keeper. Aidan was following in nicely and tucked away a finish that was harder than it looked at that speed.

I reckon a few more minutes and we would have got a winner but in the end a draw was a very fair result as Hythe played superbly too. Also, we got away before the downpour!!

A big spread of votes for player of the day.

William, Mally, Thomas, Eddie and Glyn all got votes.

2 players received quite a few more votes than the rest though.

Runner up was Riley who did really well in goal in the first half and then played the CDM role well. He is still learning that role which is a very difficult position to play but he is doing really well.

Today’s player of the day was Theo. Absolutely amazing at the back for the first 15 minutes and then was everywhere in midfield. Caused lots of problems down the left and he forced the equaliser for Aidan.

Well played Theo.

Great game to watch boys. Still top and unbeaten by the skin of our teeth. Some tough games coming up so let’s bring it on!!