Monday 11th August 2014 Venue Bryntirion Park, Bridgend (home to Pen-y- Bont FC) A squad from Everton In The Communitys Imagine Your Goals programme were invited to take part in the friendly which was to mark the launch of Bridgend Disability Football Clubs own Mental Health Wellbeing Football Initiative Everton were specifically selected not just because of their fantastic record in tournaments home and abroad but because they are seen as the pioneers at this level of football. Both teams had been eagerly looking forward to this clash, from the start it was obvious Everton meant business going close in the opening 5 minutes even though some players were taking time to get used to the playing surface, which has to be said was outstanding though energy sapping. Within 15 minutes Everton were 3 goals to the good however Bridgend hit back with a fine finish from just inside the box after a lovely through ball from centre midfield. There were several highlights to pick out in well contested match, notably in the first half a lovely through ball from Kevin McNally for Jay Weare to score his first of an eventual hat-trick. Everton at times kept possession well and slowly but surely began to find leaks ( no pun intended) in the Welsh teams defence, both Jay Weare and Liam Kennedy up front causing so many problems. As we approached half time John Brennan attempted an audacious chip from all of 25 yards, the keeper well beaten John was unlucky to see the ball skim the crossbar. From a corner, veteran centre half Colin Dolan brought out an outstanding save from Bridgends goalkeeper following a measured header to the bottom corner. Half-time saw the scoreline at 6-1, great commanding defensive performance from Derek Goodwin, some very intelligent and unselfish play from Karl Hodgson who went onto have 4 assists on the day and solid performances all round. With a 5 goal cushion coach Johnnie Garside made some rather experimental changes. Once again Evertons focus was on ball retention and with Vinny Murphy, Terry McDonnell and Scott Pander playing with confidence and being solid in the challenges, they once again began to take control however it was Bridgend who hit the back of the net first with some excellent wide play and cool finishing. Straight from kick off Everton appeared to be spurred on by the goal against and they once again began to widen the gap, goals from Derek Goodwin, Marcus Gosling were followed by two spectacular goals. Jay Weare left defenders stranded before coolly chipping the keeper from 8 yards quickly followed by Liam Kennedys strike from wide on the right and 25 yards out, it sailed into the net majestically. Bridgend were not giving up the fight and were causing problems for Everton, they hit back with 2 goals in quick succession before being denied a third with a wonderful save from Bert Smith diving at full stretch to his right to knock an excellent effort around the post. Neither of the teams play regular football at 11-a-side, more accustomed to 5-a-side, Everton certainly deserved the victory however full credit must be given to Bridgend who fought well, played some attractive football and had quite a number of outstanding individual performances. The game was played in great spirit and with the final score an amazing 11-5 in the favour of Everton everyone left the field with smiles on their faces as they knew they had been in a good match and every single player had done their respective clubs proud.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 22:11:50 +0000
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