Kenilworth Wardens Firsts were in action again today, as they hosted AFC Coventry at Glasshouse Lane.
The Firsts kick-started their campaign last weekend with a 1-1 draw with Dunlop Reserves, that left them languishing in sixth position in the table.
Coventry had also played just once this season, their 8-1 demolition of Binley Reserves last time out left them them third in the Coventry Alliance Two.
Due to a number of changes as well as the threat Coventry posed, Kenilworth started the game with a flat back five. The three in midfield sat deep, allowing the away side the ball, and looking to hit on the counter.
This was a tactic that for the first 25 minutes worked well.
Coventry looked confident on the ball, dominating possession, but Wardens were able to consistently create clear chances with balls over the top to Ben Edmunds.
Wardens for the most part looked comfortable, only affording slight opportunities.
This until the 26 minute when a ball was played over the top, as the five-man defence were unable to hold their line. The Coventry striker chopped inside Archie Evans and slotted home for 1-0.
Kenilworth heads dropped at this point, allowing for a cheap free kick to be conceded on the left-hand corner of the box.
The dead-ball strike from Coventry appeared to wrong-foot Whitehouse in goal, as the ball dropped into the net.
From the kick off, Kenilworth were once again punished. Tom Perrin was dispossessed after a loose touch. Coventry latched onto the ball, sliced the Kenilworth defence open with their pace and slotted home for 3-0.
The home side were however unlikely to enter the break without registering on the score sheet.
Edmunds should have brought one back after being played the ball on the edge of the six yard box. His first touch let him down and the ball was cleared.
Five minutes before the break Pearson received the ball from Perrin out wide, however his tame finish did not trouble the keeper.
Coventry held the 3-0 scoreline going into the break.
The home side, however, were not deterred, as they instantly began to dominate the ball in the second half. A slight tweak to their formation, now at 4-3-3, allowed them far more control of the ball in the final third.
The Coventry midfield, which had looked so assured in the first 45, suddenly looked uneasy, unable to retain their shape nor their composure.
As the Wardens continued to create chances the away side were clearly lacking some discipline, showing that they were as good at complaining to the referee as they had been at moving the ball in the first half.
Wardens' pressure was finally rewarded after 11 minutes of second half play. The ball was played into the box by Legg to Pearson, whose cushioned header was the perfect layoff for Edmunds to slot home.
Kenilworth continued to create opportunities, showing far more dominance and composure on the ball than during the first half.
After 25 minutes of the second half Edmunds impressed again his darting run along the byline saw him beat three Coventry players, but he was unable to find an unmarked Eamonn Richards with his pull back.
However, as the clock reached 75 minutes, the away side began to find their foothold once again, dominating the ball, and slowing the tempo of the game down.
On 82 minutes the game was settled. A ball was flashed across the face of goal from the right flank, allowing the onrushing Coventry striker to slot home.
Two minutes later, keeper Whitehouse was once again called on to smartly save from a one on one, and save the blushes of the Kenilworth defence.
A match which Kenilworth could have got something from had their heads not dropped after going behind, the day finished 4-1 to Coventry.
Todays match was sponsored by LPC Sports Therapy and Yoga.
Lead-therapist Lily is a Level Four qualified sports massage therapist and yoga Practitioner, specialising in anxiety support.
Lily is trained to diagnose injuries, rehabilitate, and is fully recommended by players of Kenilworth Wardens.
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