London Romans 1 – 1 London Titans – London Unity League
Gutsy is the best way I can describe the reserve team performance of last Sunday. A new look back four comprising of Birch, Connell, Miller and Salter were probably the busier of the two defences during the first half. Not to say that Titans were under the cosh, most of the play took part in the middle of the park and the back four were playing a relatively high line, and as such were seeing a lot of the ball.
When we broke forward it was largely through the work horse that was Thomas Schuerch, who had 3 good chances to score during the first half. As the half drew on the surprising heat of late September began to take its toll and the defence became stretched enough to allow Romans in on goal. A good effort deflected off the upright past Stack (a debutant in goal) who could do little about it. I’d say at that point we were glad to see half time.
It took Titans a little while to get going in the second half after some half time substitutions took a while to bed in. However, the work ethic remained and a vocal Titans team dug deep to press the Romans. A ball into the Romans box caused panic and was handled somewhat naively by a Roman defender, an easy decision for the Ref who blew up and pointed to the spot straight away. Coolly converted from the spot by Mark Shaw the Titans tails were up.
Manager Ford took a gamble in extra time by withdrawing Rolfe for himself as Titans gained a corner. An aerial threat in the box offered hope that Titans could nick all three points. The corner sailed achingly towards the far side of the box before Schuerch hooked it back in only for Ford to head narrowly wide. Full time and a hard fought but well deserved point in the bag.