First game back since the Christmas break, and a 3-1 defeat, to a decent UK Paper side.
Earlier in the season we had defeated them at our place when they were flying high as league leaders.
Today however was a game of very fine margins. The wind was to play a major part in the game, as it was straight down the pitch, at about 25mph. So the cliché, a game of to halves was going to be order of the day.
We had the elements in our favour 1st half, in which they struggled to get out of their half. We failed to capitalise on this advantage though and the 1-0 advantage we had at the break always looked like it may not be quite enough. The goal came via the penalty spot, converted by Sargy, who minutes earlier had missed another.
We anticipated an onslaught 2nd half, but it failed to materialise, as we were still playing some decent football into the wind. 25mins to go and it was looking ok, until they broke down our right, crossed and finished from close range. A bit of a blow as the guys were working their socks of to protect what we had. 10 mins later and they took the lead when again the left winger was given to much time, and what was a cross, floated in the top corner. With 5mins left they secured the points with a 30yard screamer.
I am not to down about this defeat, as we did play better them, in large parts of the game, but were punished for not closing the ball quick enough on two occasions.
As long as we learn from these errors we can continue to progress, and also take advantage of the good situations in the final 3rd, where to often the final ball lets us down.
Next week we are at home to Atcost, a game we must win.
Squad:
A Pickworth
N Sargent
M Brown
R James
M Wood
A Tasker
D Hesmer
A James
C Ells
B Brooker
A Evans
Subs:
D McGuire
D Hymers
L Gunning