Sheffield Trinity 2-1 Game Changer

Paul Holland - Game Changer FC

Sep 9, 20233 min read

Updated: Sep 10, 2023

Game Changer FC succumbed to their second consecutive Fair Play League defeat of the opening fixtures of the 2023-24 season - suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Trinity in the S20 region of the Steel City, despite taking a first-half lead through Chris Horne.

Despite the defeat there were plenty of positives to take into tomorrow's Flourish League Cup outing at Rotherham United, and their Fair Play fixture at home to Sheffield International next weekend.

The hosts found an equaliser in the first half before netting the winner ten minutes from time. They were presented with an opportunity to extend their lead; however, they squandered their opportunity from the penalty spot.

Sheffield Trinity 2-1 Game Changer Saturday, 9th September 2023 – KO: 10:30 AM Sheffield & District Fair Play League

@ Westfield High School, Beighton

Game Changer XI	Substitutes
Liam Cole	Paul Holland
Ryan Hunter	Levi Wilkinson
Matthew Towsend	Josh Payne
Michael Gibson	Brett Hanson
Jack Rubino	Dean Crawford
Joe Deakin
Sam Taylor	Manager
Leo Markham	Jamie Moore
Chris Gibson
Jamie Moore	Physio
Chris Horne	Gavin Frost

After the toss it was Game Changer who had the kick off after the hosts changed ends. The early exchanges where an equal tussle as both sides were presented with corners.

After Michael Gibson challenged on the byline, at the expense of a corner, a ball to the far post was defended by Leo Markham and keeper Liam Coles collected the loose ball. At the other end, Ryan Hunter's cross was headed out to safety. From the resulting corner, Sam Taylor supplied a low cross to the edge of the area and Matt Townsend flashes an effort wide of the goal.

The Oranges took the lead on 11 minutes after a drop ball presented the visitors with an opportunity. After Horne won the 50/50 ball, after controlling he fired hard past the keeper – the goal stood despite some protests from the opposition stopper.

But the hosts levelled the scores on 20 minutes after they got the better of the defence and finished at the near post. Moments later, the hosts wasted a golden opportunity to take the lead as a ball into the centre of the 18-yard area, but the striker volleyed over the bar.

The hosts then on threatened on several occasions but a mixture of good defending and composure from the keeper kept them at bay. This was after Dean Crawford tried to get the better of the keeper, but his header landed wide of the goal.

On 44 minutes the Oranges was presented with a magnificent opportunity in front of goal. Crawford's looped ball over the top found Joe Deakin one-on-one with the keeper and, after controlling the keeper expertly saved his effort at the expense of a corner.

As the heat increased and playing uphill, the visitors struggled in the second half where chances were few and far between.

However, the hosts defended stoutly. Crawford dragged an effort wide and after Wilkinson flashed a ball across the box, the hosts #2 timed challenge prevented Josh Payne from striking a certain goal – as the ball whizzed off the defender and out for a throwing.

Brett Hanson almost lobbed the substitute keeper, but the stopper saved at the expense of a corner. Moments later, Hanson’s close-range effort in a pedestrianised box, smashed against the side netting.

In a game where one goal would win it, it was the hosts who netted the elusive goals, and subsequent winner. A long throwing in the final third wasn't defended and a near post flick looped over Cole and into the net.

The hosts almost added a third after Horne conceded a penalty - his mis timed challenge resulted in hacking down the striker. From the resulting kick, a tame effort was equally met by Coles.

Game Changer left the match disappointed with the result, but not the performance, which was in large, an improvement based on recent results. Coles was responsible for keeping out the opposition- making important saves in the second half. However, it was Joe Deakin who was presented with the Man of the Match following an impressive display.