Given the pressure the players (and managers) were under, the bumpy conditions and the determination of the opposition, Sunday’s performance was as good as anything we have produced this season. With everyone (except Coxon) knowing that a win was a must it was a time for everyone to stand up, be counted and deliver. That they did.
With Artois a little disorganised at the beginning, we stressed the need for a fast start in the knowledge that an early goal may well kill the game off. We did start well but didn’t have that little bit of luck in front of goal that was needed. Dave Burren hit the bar with a header, Mark Lester, Alun Evans and Danny McGahan all having efforts blocked or smothered by their keeper. Even Manse was joining in and his great effort from the halfway line, following a poor kick from their keeper, looked a certain goal until it hit the ground a foot from the line and then proceeded to bounce over. Artois had shown little to trouble us going forward, except for long throws, but unable to find the net we ended the half at nil - nil.
At half time we stressed the need for three points but urged that we played with patience and that we shouldn’t panic if the goal didn’t come early. We were looking dangerous from wide positions and needed to keep our width and provide support to the forwards when the ball was eventually played in. Having not made the breakthrough with twenty five minutes remaining we replaced the injured Evans with Liam Gent. Following on from the half time instructions, Liam was asked to get at the full backs and get in the box at every opportunity. We finally made the breakthrough with five minutes remaining. Millsy, picked the ball up on the left, cut in and delivered a cross into the box which Liam did well to get on the end of and set up Dave Burren who stooped down low to nod the ball pass the keeper. The relief was evident particularly as just prior to the goal Artois had had a very good claim for a penalty turned down. Matt Lawrence, who had replaced the injured Wardy, and Manse then proceeded to provide good cover in front of the defence with the effect that despite their efforts to push on Artois were unable to get at our back four, who once again were a very sound unit. We secured the game in the closing minutes when Burren ran at their defence from the right hand side of the box before this time squaring for Liam to side foot home.
All in all, a very sound performance. Defensively we continue to be strong - 11 league goals conceded in 19 league games is testament to that. In midfield we were industrious and up front, despite lacking luck, we were a constant threat. The other unsung part of the team were the guys who didn’t start as both had a good influence on the game when they came on. It is the squad aspect that perhaps sets us apart from the other top sides in our league in that they do not have the same quality in depth that we possess - no matter who drops out we don’t go out with a weak side - again emphasised in that we were missing Emblen, Bukovec, Perko and Hunter from the squad today. One game left and one win needed to secure the title and we should approach Dormansland at home next week with respectful confidence - it is in our own hands.
Team:
L.Baker
A.Lindsey
M.Wood
N.Coxon
I.Ward
M.Millins
M.Lester
G.Manser
D.McGahan
D.Burren
A.Evans (for Emblen)
Subs:
L.Gent (for Evans)
M.Lawrence (for Ward)
R.Taylor