The stadium pitch at RAFC Cranwell looked to be in good condition as Icarus FC prepared to take on a fit looking RLC TA team who had a fair split of youth and experience in the squad. The conditions were favourable for both teams, with strong sunshine and little wind as the last of the moisture evaporated from the pitch surface.

The RLC TA immediately took the game to Icarus and attacked down the flanks, but failed to produce any meaningful product. Icarus started slowly but gradually forged their way into the game, with the two centre backs, Lewis and Schofield, exerting their dominance over the opposition forwards. Soon the Icarus midfield began to pick up the loose balls and some neat football began to emerge. In their first meaningful attack, the home team won the ball deep, pushing the ball forward to Coleman who spotted the run of Hodge into the box. Coleman picked him out with a threaded through ball, dissecting the centre and left back, whereupon Hodgkinson pounced on the opportunity, driving the ball underneath the keeper into the near post to make it 1-0 after 11 minutes. The goal seemed to rattle the visitors who allowed the Icarus midfield to gain a foothold and establish their shape, with Rutherford battling hard in front of the back four. The stout defence frustrated the RLC players who were unable to construct any kind of penetrating play into the Icarus box.

The RLC continued to squander possession with a succession of long range efforts which couldn't trouble Stones in the Icarus goal. Icarus should have doubled their lead deep into the first half when the defence opened up for Turner as he broke from the right wing, but unfortunately his shot was straight at the keeper.The remainder of the half was a hard fought battle with Icarus gaining the upper hand and moving the ball well.

At half time there was a positive attitude throughout the squad, it was identified that the team must maintain possession, work hard, and continue to frustrate the opposition. It was clear to see the superior fitness in the squad that would no doubt give the upper hand in the later stages of the fixture.

The RLC TA started the second half strongly, pushing four into attack in an attempt to overwhelm the Icarus back line. The midfield 3 were immediately set to work in a hard fought battle to cut out the opposition attacks. Rutherford worked tirelessly along side the centre backs to prevent any kind of penetration, whilst Hodgkinson and Coleman fought hard for the second ball and gave the opposition no space to mount any meaningful play.

For the first 15 minutes of the second half, Icarus were able to soak up the pressure from the RLC but were unable to find an outlet for the forward ball. It was now clear to see that the RLC were being frustrated by the lack of any final product and really struggled to break down the Icarus midfield and defence, who kept their shape and looked well organised. Brief spells saw a succession of half chances for the RLC as they used their manpower to release the wingers down the flanks, but again were unable to capitalise on any opportunity, with Schofield and Lewis confidently cutting out the forward ball and feeding it to the Icarus wings.

After 68 minutes, Icarus made a double substitution, with Dearing replacing the hard working Prior at left back, and Renders replacing Bond at centre forward, who had spent a hard match competing with the competent RLC central defenders. Renders made an instant impact, dropping deep to collect the ball and combining well with the flanks. His movement was enough to disrupt the tired RLC defence and Icarus were able to release Turner and Davies on multiple occasions, with efforts from Hodgkinson, Renders, and Coleman narrowly missing their target. In the centre of the park, the battle for possession was fiercely fought as tackles from both sides went flying in. It was clear to see the frustration build in the RLC side as they used their substitutes to bring some fresh ideas. But apart from a brief spell of pressure which led to a missed chance 15 yards from goal, they were unable to threaten the Icarus lead. At the final whistle the players all knew they had been in a hard fought match and the result was a fair reflection of the game.

The stand in keeper had given a competent performance, and all the Icarus players gave a fair account of themselves, the most influential players being Schofield, Rutherford, and Hodgkinson. Coming on as a substitute, Renders looked like a promising prospect for the future, with a good turn of pace and an eye for goal. His physical presence is good and he challenged well. Dearing looked competent at left back although not greatly challenged on this occasion, but with his flexibility of position, he is a great addition to the squad. Overall it was a hard fought game and a good result for Icarus, given they were missing some very influential players from the squad. There are definitely points to work on for the future, but the squad should be proud of the account they gave.

TEAM: Stones, Prior (Dearing 68), Schofield, Lewis, Kemp, Davies, Rutherford, Coleman, Hodgkinson, Turner, Bond (Renders 68)