Actonians welcomed Maidenhead United to Rectory Park this afternoon. The fixture being played in quarters, thirty-minute matches. Surprising the handful of supporters who came to watch the tie. A year on from the sides last meeting, where the visitors lost by two goals to nil.
Starting the action was an opportunity for the host. Playing players forward, they had a shot from just outside the area. Rebounding of defenders for a second chance. Which went on to miss by a fair margin. Moments later, the visitors won a free kick. Powerfully sending it towards goal. Not testing the shot stopper between the sticks. Aiming to get out of their area. Actonians went further up the field. However, the advancing player saw the ball stolen from her feet. A teammate causing confusion regarding their game plan. Giving away possession swiftly. Throw in after throw in took the home side into the final third, reaching the corner flag, losing tempo as they reached the end of the pitch. Changing direction of the play. Maidenhead made a voyage at the other end. Before Maria found space, rattling the post for the host. Lifting a shot higher than she’d have liked, leaving her disappointed as she stared down the goal. Shooting from distance another attempt came close. Itching forward again, the home side picked out a player inside the box. Going on to be shut down at the very last second. Heavy pressure preventing a quick decision being made. Positively passing, Actonians made their way into the final third. Earning a throw in for their efforts. Effectively gaining ground in a game which was slipping away. Countering from this opportunity, a free kick was the travelling team’s next chance. Forcing a mistake from the blue and white back line. Allowing a go at goal, from the edge of the box. Caught by the keeper. Looking for a lead Maidenhead had the next shot. Lobbing the keeper, also going over the crossbar. As home players looked on in delight.
Kicking off the second half was Actonians. Passing backwards, suddenly opting for a lofted switch across the pitch. Creating a battle of headers. Failing to make process for either side as it remained around the centre circle. Finally heading over the half way line, Maidenhead opened this periods opportunities. Winning a free kick from a distance. Hitting the post, before coming off the bar, giving a goal. Breaking the deadlock. To the host disappointment having attempted two clearances. Searching for a second. The visitors were back in the opponents final third. Delivering a cross into the box, landing in the keeper’s palms. Shortly followed by a diagonal ball. Which went on to level the score, falling at the feet of a player. Simple pass across the area allowing an ending touch. An acrobatic overhead clearance then gave the host a corner. Flying high and wide over the white line. Poking past opponents, the home side saw their winger bomb down the touchline. Unable to pick out a pass. Fantastic footwork from midfielder maintained the tempo of the proceeding period. Allowing teams to reset positions, and slow down the speed of a fast-paced encounter. Under temperatures of over thirty-three degrees. Recovering well from an error, Actonians prevented what looked a certain goal. Putting themselves behind as supporters looked on. The keeper coming to the rescue with a last ditch save. Up the other end, a confident cut into the box came closer. Maidenheads shot stopper sliding superbly to bat away the ball. Cleverly making a one two, it was free space for the blues. Breaking away with a darting run towards the corner flag. Bursting a gut, the host picked up possession once again. Following another break for water. Finishing off what seemed like a never-ending affair was a chance for the home team. Embarking on empty areas of the pitch, a shot was had, launched onto the roof of the building. Taking the lead. Actonians scored, slotting perfectly into the corner of the net.
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