Well the big day has finally arrived. Well maybe not that big, but an important day nonetheless. I made sure that I was well fed and hydrated throughout the day before our friendly game. I spent the day watching some great tennis matches and just relaxing.

Wardy and I headed into the ground at 5.45pm. The manager spoke to us about what he expected from the game, gave the sides that would be playing each half and then we went out and warmed up. A few first team regulars were playing so they could get some game time, and one of them was Wardy, another was captain and fellow center back, Ryan McBride. It was good to play next to him because he sets the standard really. The warm up went well, of course a few nerves, but at the end of the day, football is football and I just had to go out and play my natural game.

The first half was fairly quiet, as we kept most of the possession, but just couldn’t find that crucial final pass. I was getting used to a different type of shape in the backline, and adjusting to how the players around me play, but also how the opposition was playing. Midway through the first half we won a corner, and the big boys went up. The ball was played over the far post where I was to head it back across the goal, where Ryan was to finish it off. We went into half time 1-0 up. A short half time with no talk really. The new players that were coming on got their instructions and we went back out. About 4 players stayed on from the first half team. The second half ran the same course of the first, however it took some time for the new players to settle into the same rhythm. I also had a new center back partner, Scott, and a new left back, Gareth. So once again I was having to adapt to them and continue playing. We kept possession fairly well once again and I continued in my solid play. Only one really miscued pass, but other than that, very consistent. We scored again in the first 10min of the second half. I played a long ball to the left winger who had come off his wing and he flicked it on for the striker to finish past the goalkeeper. And then another 15min later we scored again. This time I had the ball just inside my own half on the left hand side, played a switch ball across to the right side where the right back got in behind their left back, took a touch and finished. It was a very well struck ball, and it got many comments from the lads and staff congratulating me. So although, my position is about stopping goals predominantly, which we also did today, I had a foot in all three goals we scored which was a nice feeling. 

All in all, I was happy with my game, how I played, and confident in my performance. Yes, I’m not perfect, so their was a mishap here or there and a bit of lack of execution, but the more I settle and play at this level, the better it will be for my game. Time for a shower and a quick watch of the semi final between Wales and Portugal before we headed home for the night.