"Nice performance, I am happy that what we prepared for has been showing signs of success. But don't slack off and continue to concentrate on the match, also the weather has changed and rain is already falling, so be prepared and play smart and safe to avoid injuries." Coach Taylor advised the players when it was almost time for the players to go out for the second half after the players had rested
The players all went out and saw that the rain was now pouring, but it wasn't enough for the match officials to suspend or pause the match as the players all went under the rain and took their positions as Stoke City kicked off to resume the match.
Tony discovered that the grass was now very slippery and damp as both teams passed amongst themselves as they tried to slowly reestablish there match rhythms.
Tony was trying to play cautiously as he tried to avoid slipping or running too fast and then failing to stop his run before he ran into a player.
The other players played normally as both team contested in a battle for possession, but City had more possession of the ball as they slowly passed around as they tried to score more goals.
Tony was happy with the slow build up game as he continued to pass with his teammates. The water was slowing down the force and power of the ball as it reduced the accuracy of longer passes.
Tony tested a few long passes and saw that he was not used to the effect of the rain on the ball. John was also struggling as his speed had now greatly reduced and been affected by the rain.
Both teams continued to fight for the ball as they both created some few good chances and a handful of half chances.
Around the 60th minute, Tony saw an opportunity from where he was close to the centre circle. He saw the right back of his team had overlapped to the front while being unmarked and having a lot of space in front of him that could easily lead to a goal scoring opportunity.
Tony raised his right foot and played a long high pass towards the player while increasing the strength of the pass to account for the rain. As he released the pass he discovered that his intended pass had now become a shot that went over the players head and went close to goal.
The keeper was a little out of his post but quickly ran back to his post and managed to push the ball which was on target a little bit out for a corner kick.
The fans clapped for Tony while his teammates could only sigh as they wanted to have watched the wonder goal. But it was only Tony who had kept a straight poker face all through the incident knew what his main target was as the game resumed.
The game continued with both teams creating opportunities. Tony saw an opportunity and tried to quickly increase his speed at the 69 minute when he suddenly slipped and fell down.He immediately tried to get up and chase the ball but felt something wrong in his left hamstring and immediately started to slow down.
He had lost possession of the ball and started to try and see if he could run it off so he tried to run again. "Oh boy!" he said under his breath as he felt some discomfort as he tried his legs a little, before he slowly went towards the bench while signaling to the bench for a substitution.
He felt he had hurt his hamstring and didn't want to aggravate it as he was supported by the shoulders as he slowly walked out with the Teams doctor who was always at trainings and at matches back to the treatment room at the locker room.
He was examined and it was informed that he had only hurt his hamstring and not pulled it. Some ointments and light massage were applied to it and he was told to just rest off and walk slowly through out the day. The team doctor went back to the side of the pitch to go inform the Coach about the injury and that he wasn't to worry.
Tony was clearly happy and satisfied and he had also completed the match conditions to copy one of the skill from the match as he had a shower and changed back into his clothes before he remembered to switch on his phone and immediately saw a call from his mother come in.
His family were at the stadium and were clearly worried that it was a serious injury. Tony reassured her that it was only a minor injury and he was only being cautious.
And that he was about to come out and also watch the game. "Don't worry son, its already added time and your teammates would soon be coming back into the locker rooms." Tony's dad who had gently snatched the phone from Tony's mom explained to him.
Tony later ended the call and waited for some minutes before he began to see the coaches and the players return back into the locker room. They were all concerned before he told them it was only a minor injury before they informed him that they had scored another goal from one of his team's midfielder to win the match 4:1.
Tony was happy they had won the match as the players all began to change and do other things before they would then go home.
"I only managed with the conditions throughout the second half and at some point even got substituted due to how I was just managing to play due to the rain. And hey hope you are really okay?" John asked when they had all showered and were on there way home in Tony's car.
"Haha, yeah am okay and have stopped to feel any of the slight pains i felt before." Tony and John continued to chat about the game as they drove to John's house before he then went home.