This week, for the last game of the season, the boys came up against a much-improved NK side. Following on from last week’s game, the boys were high in confidence, ready and raring to go. The game started off fairly even with some great battles within the midfield. The first chance broke to Gainsborough, but a good defensive recovery prevented the side going 1-0 up. NK then broke on the counter attack and managed to score, to take the team 1-0 up. Gainsborough responded instantly with some lovely footwork in midfield by Jared and Cole, they worked the ball out to Liam on the right-hand side, then making an excellent run down the wing, he won Gainsborough a corner.
Going against a tall NK defense, the boys worked on their set piece play. A perfectly timed run by Elliot saw him head in the equaliser after a great delivery from Liam. The quick response gave Gainsborough the confidence to attack further, using the pace of the wingers and playing some intricate football. A great single run and a cut inside on his strong foot saw Elliot sail the ball into the bottom corner past the keeper to give Gainsborough the lead. The boys went in at half time 2-1 up.
After some tactical changes at half time, Gainsborough came out more attacking. Creating chance after chance, with them having 4 shots at the NK goal within the first 5 minutes of the second half. Again, after some work in midfield the ball broke to the right-hand side to Elliot, who took on 3 defenders to deliver a cross to the back post for Jared to tap in to take the team into a safe 3-1 lead. An injury then led Gainsborough to change tactics and formation, to try to keep that 2 goal cushion.
Unfortunately, a counter attack from NK saw Gainsborough sleeping at the back with the keeper far off his line, the NK midfielders’ eyes lit up as he hit a sweet shot into the top corner from the halfway line bringing the score to 3-2. A shocked Gainsborough team then gathered together with only 10 minutes left to play, the boys had to work hard not to lose the lead. A dangerous Gainsborough attack led to a last-minute defensive challenge from NK, which saw the last defender bring down our attacking, resulting in a free kick. With Cole standing over the ball, the advice from the team was to hit the target. Cole struck the ball well with the keeper, reaching to tip the ball away from goal. Luckily for Gainsborough it fell to Jared who was there to tap it in and bring the game home for a 4-2 Gainsborough win. Man of the Match was Elliot, with 2 goals and 1 assist. What a way to end the season!
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