Illyrian were the next team to make the trip to Tithe Farm. Taking on ground owners Rayners Lane, in a pre-season fixture. In front of a crowd of around forty people. Who had the choice of what the admission price should be. The host opting to use a ‘pay what you want’ in this month of matches.
It was the home team who got the afternoons affair underway. Having the opening opportunity, making the travelling keeper charge out of his goal. Running on to an encroaching ball inside the area. Against the run of play, the visitors took the lead. Breaking the deadlock through a penalty. After a questionable foul inside the box. Powerfully put into the back of the net. Looking for a quick reply, Lane won a corner, coming to nothing. Negatively transitioning across the pitch. Illyrian shockingly were handed possession, as their opposite numbers put the ball out of play. Trying to switch the movement of the momentum. Searching for a second. The visitors played out from the back, creating space as they advanced up the field. Diagonally sliding a pass into the final third. The home side made a darting run into the danger zone, however the lunging shot stopper latched onto the ball. On fifteen minutes the host rounded the keeper. Followed up by teammates, going on to squander the chance. Moments before an effort went flying over the bar. Back in control, the guest had a chance. Looking for the far post, blocked by the keeper, from close range. Thirty-three minutes a free kick was delivered into the box. Being met at the far post, earning a corner in the process. At the other side of the pitch. Play fizzled out, giving players a chance to rest. Scoring the second. Illyrian netted on thirty-seven minutes. Tapping home from the centre of the box. Giving Rayners Lane a lifeline, they had a goal back on forty-three minutes. A pinpoint pass converted into the bottom corner.
Starting the second period was feisty fight. Bringing the game to a halt, as the referee sent a travelling player off the pitch. Having punched an opponent following a challenge made. Before a free kick got football flowing. Shortly followed by a chance for Illyrian, going out for a goal kick, as a finishing touch failed to be applied. Levelling the score later on. Rayners Lane found a way to the back of the net. Making the most out of a tight space, they were able to bring the game even. Calmly ending of the movement. Desperate to go ahead. The guest had a counter attack, skying their effort, having caught oppositions off guard. Proceeding this the home side came close. Narrowly missing the target. Remaining touch tight to the line, Lane had another go. Being forced to pass backwards in order to remain in charge of the tempo. Not providing any options, Illyrian fired a free kick high and wide. Before the host eventually went ahead. Scramble the cause, as they teams were finally separated. Starting a flurry of finishes taking the tally up to five. Including a free kick master class.
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