A very stern test against newly crowned Division Three Champions. We knew that it would be a battle but our lack of squad depth really was highlighted today.
In the first 10 minutes it was the opposition who dominated without scoring. The pink shirts grew into the game and gradually wrestled control of it. Against the run of play, the number 10 boomed one into our net. He added a second from a free kick; Matty unlucky on the line not to clear it.
Just before the break, Joe pulled one back after previously hitting the post. An excellent set up by Lewy. 1-2 half time.
The players started the next period strongly, pulling level after brilliant work from sub, Dylan, who injected energy and enthusiasm into the team. Sam scoring a rare goal from close range after dinking this way and that.
Unfortunately, the players didn't heed the first half warnings and allowed the strong footed number 10 too much space. He completed his hat-trick as well as contributing to a further three goals in the last 10 minutes as the team capictulated.
The final 2-6 scoreline didn't reflect the chances the players created. The difference, apart from an unstoppable and lethal right foot from distance, was that players didn't take their chances. Too many players wanted to score the perfect goal, getting it just right on their favourite foot or trying to boom it into the net when simply passing it into the net was the better option.
At times, our football was good but I'd like to see players being braver in possession and play our short passing game rather than copying our opponents style.
In defence, SOC and James excelled if, at times, they forgot to get us higher up the pitch quick enough. They've grown into a formidable partnership. Dylan looked lively and threatening, playing further upfield than he had previously done this season.
MoM: James; best performance since joining the Club. Well done!
