We started 2008 against the side we had soundly beaten in our final match of 2007. However they had beaten the league leaders the week before, following the return of a couple of players from university, who were also available today. We also welcomed back Iggy Crouch and Nick Forward from long term injury. This left us in the unusual situation of having 14 players available.
The first half was strange in that we attacked well as a team, but defended poorly as a team. Down our left Luke and Alex were linking up well and providing a good base for most of our attacks. In centre midfield Matt was making intelligent runs into their penalty area, without getting the reward of a goal. Unfortunately we were countering these positive points by over committing in attack and leaving the defence one on one far too regularly. On two occasions great saves from Andy kept the score level. However Andy was unable to keep Penshurst out a third time and we fell behind. Right on half time we equalised when more excellent work down our left led to a cross, which Matt met, to flick the ball over the keeper.
At half time it was stressed that the opposition were looking tired and if we improved the defensive cover, we were confident that we would go on and win.
The first meaningful action of the half saw an excellent turn and shot from Yacine hit the inside of the post and rebound safely into their keepers arms. A minute later we went a goal down when Andy failed to hold a shot and the centre forward beat him to the rebound. Jamie and Nick were introduced but we fell further behind when their centre forward completed his hat trick. Penshurst then hit the bar with an excellent free kick, before getting a fourth just before the end.
A disappointing result and we need to improve otherwise we could find ourselves involved in a struggle to avoid relegation.
Team:
A.Whittaker
Lewis Drury
G.Knight
N.Edwards
L.Smith
R.Fothergill
M.Edwards
I.Crouch
A.Donaldson
M.Wyles
Y.Marouani
Subs:
J.Bush
N.Forward
C.White