Raging Fever 4 Feltham Cowboys 5
Raging Fever kicked off the new season with a game against Feltham Cowboys. The last game between these teams two years ago was an action-packed 4-4 draw, so a good contest was again expected.
Fever started the game strongly and began playing some attractive football. However, their main source of joy would prove to be the ball over the top, especially well executed by Dan Pear in the centre of the midfield. The first danger sign came when John Matthews struck a fierce shot, which was well saved by the Cowboys' keeper. Matthews made no mistake moments later, firing low into the corner to put Fever one up.
A second goal soon followed, and again it came from direct play. Pear set Matthews racing away towards goal. On this occasion, however, the manager chose not to go for goal himself, instead squaring for strike partner Nick Wehmeier, who kept his cool to slide the ball into the net. Well on top at this stage, Fever were looking good value for their lead and soon afterwards Simon Cant added a third. Cant was looking impressive down the left wing, and on this occasion he cut inside before firing a smart shot underneath the keeper.
When the fourth goal came it was the result of another good move. James Simpson picked the ball up in midfield and played in James Longshaw. Longshaw had a chance to shoot himself but, on approaching the keeper, made the unselfish decision to square to the better-positioned Wehmeier, who was again waiting in the box to slot into an empty net.
Four-nil up, Fever thought the game was in the bag. They carved out a number of further chances, and the defence was also looking good with Martin Brodetsky, Rob Milne, Nick Holloway, Paul Lucas, and Andy Kelly all tackling, heading, and clearing strongly to keep out anything that was thrown at them.
Shortly before the break, however, Feltham scored what would ultimately prove to be a crucial goal through Sheppy, who would end up being the difference between the two teams, helping himself to four goals. Picking up the ball just outside the box, he unleashed a strike into the top corner which stand-in Fever keeper Steve Sharpe had no chance of saving. This gave the Cowboys hope going into half time.
Sadly for Fever, this hope was well founded, this match turning out to be the classic 'game of two halves', with the return of the dreaded Raging Fever second-half collapse. As so often happens, the turning point would be a controversial refereeing decision as Feltham were awarded a generous-looking penalty after Nick Holloway put in a strong challenge on the their attacker. The spot kick was duly despatched and it was game on.
Despite their best efforts, including good work down the left wing from Steve Fuller, nothing would come off for Oxford in the second half and they never seriously threatened the Feltham goal. The Cowboys, meanwhile, looked a completely different team. Sure enough, Feltham were soon level following two further goals from Sheppy, both great strikes into the top corner, well out of the reach of Sharpe.
At this stage Fever would have been happy with the draw, but weren't able to hold on for the final few minutes. The defence failed to deal with a corner and could only watch as the Feltham player found the space to shoot low into the net to complete the turnaround and make the final score 5-4.
Thanks go to the Feltham lads for travelling up for an enjoyable game, despite the final result. We wish them well for the coming season. Fever will look to bounce back in their next game, at home to a Tranmere side calling in on their way to Swindon.
Raging Fever: Steve Sharpe, Paul Lucas, Martin Brodetsky, Rob Milne, Nick Holloway, Andy Kelly, James Longshaw, Dan Pear, James Simpson, Steve Fuller, Simon Cant, John Matthews, Nick Wehmeier
Goals: Nick Wehmeier (2), John Matthews, Simon Cant
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