Monarchs earn hard-fought draw

The Monarchs came into this match off the back of 2 defeats in a row so we're looking to put things right with a good home performance against a very strong Eastcote team. The team started the match in the best way possible with JC working some space on the right of the D and finding Rod at the back post won a great pass which was clinically finished by Rod with the ball mid-air. Eastcote we're full of energy and youth and had a number of quick youngsters who were constantly dribbling through the Monarchs midfield but were kept at bay by the back four who put in a great shift. However, following a good bit of skill by one of the Eastcote attackers to weave his way into the D, Eastcote equalised with a tap in at he far post. There were chances at both ends as the Monarchs counter attacked well when the Eastcote attacks were foiled. The Monarchs were unlucky not to go 2-1 up before the break with Mike firing just wide of the right hand post from a short corner. Despite a goood initial start in the second half, the Monarchs were soon 2-1 down after another quick break from Eastcote. For the next 20 minutes, the team weathered the storm and stayed inn the game whilst also creating chances from counter attacks with Zac and Gavin performing brilliantly on the left all match. With about 15 minutes to go, the team got a short corner and worked a well drilled routine with Alex able to pass across the D having received the ball back from the receiver and Rod was waiting at the back post to finish. The team then scored a third after Dave found latched onto a loose ball in the D and slipped it to Rod via a ricochet and Rod once again finished with the ball mid air to put the Monarchs 3-2 up with 5 minutes to go. Eastcote were then lucky to score at the death having been awarded a short corner with only 2 minutes to go but overall this was probably a fair result. Well done to Harley, Zac and Rod in particular who all put in great performances amongst a great effort overall. Deserved win and hopefully this sets the team up well to go and get an away victory at Milton Keynes next week.