Following a disappointing 4-3 defeat to the hands of Yorkshire Wanderers on Saturday, the Game Changer team were back in action against Maltby based side Zion New Boyz The game took place on the evening Monday, 17th April at Sheerien Park - home of Northern Counties East League Division One outfit, Athersley Recreation FC. Despite an improved spirited performance, it was the visitors who returned to Rotherham with a victory after cementing a 5-2 win.
After officiating the match last Saturday, Changer boss, Gavin Frost, returned to the dugout, allowing striker Jamie Moore to return to on field duties. Due to availability, there were five changes from the side which lost three days previously. Michael Gibson, Luke Dowle (illness), Lewis Oliver, Chris Gibson, and Sheldon Keeling were all absent with; Paul Holland, Matthew Townsend, Scott Rooke, Kevin Laws, and Jesse Payne deputising.
Game Changer played in their home kit of orange shirts, with black shorts and socks whilst Zion New Boyz wore all-blue kit.
Game Changer 2-5 Zion New Boyz
Monday, 18th April 2023 - KO: 7:15PM
Friendly Match
Game Changer XI | Substitutes |
Ryan Hunter | Jack Brown |
Levi Wilkinson | Jamie Moore |
Paul Holland | Josh Payne |
Matthew Townsend | |
Scott Rooke | Manager |
Cameron Harrison | Gavin Frost |
Kevin Laws | |
Connor Jones | |
Jesse Payne | |
Brandon Jones | |
Dean Crawford | |
Game Changer began the match with a 4-4-2 formation and found themselves behind at the break with the score 2-1 to the visitors. Zion relied heavily on their high balls with the front two creating opportunities for each other, with their strong target man flicking the ball on for the support striker to chase.
The visitors took the lead after approximately 15 minutes when a knocked-on ball breached the Changer defence with the opposition attacker slotting past keeper Hunter one-on-one. It wasn’t long before they doubled their advantage after their #9 collected the ball on the left flank before clipping over the head of Holland before his powerful effort saw Hunter get a hand to it but was too powerful to stop the ball crossing the line.
New Boyz almost added a third after a ball across the box wasn’t dealt with but, with the goal at his mercy, the attacker sliced his left-footed effort wide.
At the other end, Changer, were guilty of not taking advantage of the many opportunities in front of goal but failed to truly assess the opposition keeper. However, they did get their way back into the game after Brandon Jones mazy run saw the striker fouled in the box. Despite protests from the opposition, a penalty was awarded. Zion had argued that the foul took place outside of the box. Jones stepped up and coolly despatched – netting his fourth in three consecutive games.
The hosts came close to levelling as the first half ended. Growing in confidence they forced a corner. Zion failed to clear their lines from the resulting set-piece, left full-back, Wilkinson unleashed a speculative low drive which skimmed across goal and flashed narrowly wide of the far post.
Half-time: Game Changer 1-2 Zion New Boyz
The second half saw the hosts switch to a 4-3-3 formation which worked incredibly well despite the opposition scoring three further goals. Changer found their style of football free flowing, playing the ball around the floor but lacked conviction in front of goal despite creating more opportunities than they did in the first 45 minutes.
Game Changer fought their way back into the game having already conceded early in the second half. A well worked move saw Jesse Payne break free on the left-hand side, cutting in before his unstoppable effort nestled comfortably in the far bottom right hand corner.
Payne almost grabbed a second after excellent play from Jamie Moore down the right hand saw his chipped effort evade an onrushing keeper, but stout defending saw Zion head clear off the line before Payne sliced his rebounded chance wide.
The final whistle blew to a disappointment to the hosts as both sides returned to the club house to enjoy a hospitality of chip butties – personally paid for by manager, Gavin Frost.
Comments