This week's match followed a similar pattern to a number of other games this season, with us creating more than enough chances to win the game, but failing to take any.
We started the game well and dominated the first half. Down our left Rob Cornish and Olly Allman were causing their right-back problems on numerous occasions. Both Olly and Mark Wyles had chances to grab the lead, however both saw shots saved with only the Hawkenbury keeper to beat. Pembury also had a claim for a penalty when Matt Rice-Tucker was challenged in the area. This pattern of play with us totally on top continued until about 10 minutes before half time. Andy Whittaker dribbled the ball out of his area, but when put under pressure by their centre forward, his hurried clearance resulted in him sustaining what is now believed to be a career ending injury. His team-mates showed little concern, as they refused to kick the ball out of play so he could receive attention! This injury led to James Austin taking over in goal and proving to be an able deputy when immediately making a great save and dealing with the resultant corner when under pressure. The change of personnel unsettled us and for the rest of the half Hawkenbury were on top.
The second half began as the first half ended and initially only resolute defending kept the scores level. James continued to impress in goal and an excellent goal-line clearance from under our cross-bar by Rob worth noting. Matt was again involved in a penalty claim, however this time it was against us, as he controlled the ball on his arm when attempting to chest it down. Gradually we clawed our way back into the game and started to create chances, notably two headed chances that went begging following excellent free kicks from Garry Knight.
Once again we can take the positives from a very encouraging performance from a young reserve side. Defensively we look very sound, now we have four at the back. A point highlighted by our second consecutive clean sheet. All we need to do moving forward is show a little more composure in front of goal. Something we will impress upon everyone this week when we open our Kent Cup account.
Team:
A.Whittaker
J.Austin
T.Bowyer
G.Knight
R.Cornish
M.Rice-Tucker
T.Gent
A.Turner
O.Allman
J.Bush
M.Wyles
Subs:
R.Taylor (for A.Whittaker)
L.Drury (for A.Turner)
S.Waterman (for T.Gent)