Report

A week is a long time in football and so it proved today. After convincing 8-1 and 9-1 back to back wins, the squad were brought down to the ground with a heavy bump at title chasing Hale.

The 5-1 scoreline did flatter Hale, especially in the first half where, territorially, the pink shirts swarmed over their opposition. The difference was that Hale took their chances and for all the team's good build up play, they struggled to make any clear cut opportunities with numerous players off colour, in terms of their performance.

With a mountain to climb at half time, the coaches re-emphasised what was required of the players. The squad mustered a decent second half charge especially when Eathan swung over a freekick which Dominic finsihed with aplomb. This gave them some self belief but it was enough against a team that physically dominated the game and with the team being sloppy in possession.

All round, a bad day at the office for the players but, on a positive, as developing young footballers, they can only learn from these experiences. Far too many players under-performed today which meant that the cogs of the team didn't function. They will learn from today, without question.

At the back, Leon put in a good shift but even he was caught out for the last goal. Caius, introduced at half-time, also injected life and pace into the team as they tried to claw back the poorly conceded goals. Rory, as ever, was a bundle of energy in midfield trying, at times alone, to drive the play forward.

Ending on a positive, at training this week, the coaches worked on players using their weaker foot. There were at least 15 occassions during the games where players successfully attempted this - well done lads, keep up the practise!

MoM: Rory, showed drive and determination today.