Resolute Cherokees hold Real Milan
In another tough, hard-fought match, Real Milan were made to work hard for a point by a tough, dogged no- nonsense Cherokees team. Real went into the match without top defender Ricky Wheeler and started with Harley McAuley in goal. Jordan Pritchard was drafted in for his first game as centre half with Josh Lake given the holding role.
Real started sluggishly and it took a while for the players to get use to new positions. Anthony Gardner came closest to opening the scoring when Josh Lake put a superb through ball into his path, but his left foot shot flew just wide. Whenever Real broke through, they found the Cherokees defenders in no mood to concede, and when they did break through, they found the Slough ‘keeper on top form. The opening goal came courtesy of some slack Milan defending. Real backed off and allowed a Cherokees player to take his time and send over a quality cross for a simple header at the near post, leaving Harley with no chance. The goal woke up Real , and with Karim Usmani proving a handful up front the equaliser didn’t seem far away. Ten minutes before half time a foul on Anthony Gardner resulted in the first ever penalty in Real Milan’s history. Unfortunately, Anthony sent the ball over the bar and the opportunity for an equaliser was lost.
At half time Roger and Tariq stressed the need to be first to the 50-50 balls as Cherokees seem to have more desire. Josh was sent forward and Karim brought back. The second half carried on where the first half left off, with Cherokees. keeping 10 men behind the ball and hitting Real on the counter attack. The was now more purpose about Real, with Karim and Ashley Kang starting to create more openings, with 15 minutes left Slough buckled under the Real pressure and from a Lewis Martin cross, following good work from Josh, Ashley pounced to volley a deserved equaliser. After that Cherokees hung on, with their keeper and right back, handling all that Milan threw at them. Real, in their new all blue away kit, finished the stronger, but it was their lack lustre first half performance that cost them the 3 points.
In the end it was a disappointing result for Real Milan, but Cherokees were superb. They worked hard and played well throughout, totally belying their league position. Karim Usmani, back after 2 games out, was Man of the Match for Milan with a 100% commitment and effort. A Real inspiration.
Well done again to Darren Smith an excellent referee.
Real started sluggishly and it took a while for the players to get use to new positions. Anthony Gardner came closest to opening the scoring when Josh Lake put a superb through ball into his path, but his left foot shot flew just wide. Whenever Real broke through, they found the Cherokees defenders in no mood to concede, and when they did break through, they found the Slough ‘keeper on top form. The opening goal came courtesy of some slack Milan defending. Real backed off and allowed a Cherokees player to take his time and send over a quality cross for a simple header at the near post, leaving Harley with no chance. The goal woke up Real , and with Karim Usmani proving a handful up front the equaliser didn’t seem far away. Ten minutes before half time a foul on Anthony Gardner resulted in the first ever penalty in Real Milan’s history. Unfortunately, Anthony sent the ball over the bar and the opportunity for an equaliser was lost.
At half time Roger and Tariq stressed the need to be first to the 50-50 balls as Cherokees seem to have more desire. Josh was sent forward and Karim brought back. The second half carried on where the first half left off, with Cherokees. keeping 10 men behind the ball and hitting Real on the counter attack. The was now more purpose about Real, with Karim and Ashley Kang starting to create more openings, with 15 minutes left Slough buckled under the Real pressure and from a Lewis Martin cross, following good work from Josh, Ashley pounced to volley a deserved equaliser. After that Cherokees hung on, with their keeper and right back, handling all that Milan threw at them. Real, in their new all blue away kit, finished the stronger, but it was their lack lustre first half performance that cost them the 3 points.
In the end it was a disappointing result for Real Milan, but Cherokees were superb. They worked hard and played well throughout, totally belying their league position. Karim Usmani, back after 2 games out, was Man of the Match for Milan with a 100% commitment and effort. A Real inspiration.
Well done again to Darren Smith an excellent referee.
posted by Real Milan Official news desk at 5:13 pm
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