A depleted AFA side due to unexplained absentees and injuries battled away against strong opposition. The defensive unit was organised well by Johnny Mac but had to rely on some heroics from keeper Juanjo in the first half not to mention the woodwork to keep parity. We were overrun in midfield but no-one stopped running and closing down their opponents which was hugely encouraging after the run of moral-sagging defeats lately. Manolo and Juan David caused problems upfront latching onto long balls and Eugene worked hard to link up with them but the final ball was not evident as in previous weeks. When Danny Criado went off half way through with stomach pains we had to introduce our only sub new boy Joseph Mellor. Still against all odds we went in just 1 - 0 down and plenty to play for in the 2nd Half. Actually the second half was the performance of the season for me considering the quality of the Home team. The defence played intelligently under considerable pressure and did not shirk a single challenge and if they continue that form we will not leak goals like in the first half of the season. In fact that unit including Juanjo in goal could only be beaten , by a massive deflection from a shot inside the box. That in itself is a huge compliment to them but also the way they never gave in shows the confidence and desire. A valient midfield eventually carved out a great through ball which Manolo got to only to be upended in the box for a deserved penalty. New boy Joseph stepped up and coolly slotted home for a debut goal setting up a tense final 10 minutes or so. Unfortunately there was not to be an equaliser but the performance was a winning one in many ways and I hope, a turning point. Every single player can be proud of his effort in this match. It was a total effort for the whole duration and we cannot fail to pick up points if we maintain the confidence.
