Sunday was a very competent performance on a difficult surface against a side that had held us to a draw at Woodside a few weeks ago. We knew that a tough test was ahead and selected the side accordingly. Our sole aim was to collect the three points and protect the slim advantage that we hold over Simla prior to our meeting with them next week. Anything else that we got out of the game in terms of good football or individual performances was a bonus. It is, therefore, very pleasing to report that, in addition to the win, we did play well and there were some positive personal performances that have generated food thought in terms of selection for next week.
We started the game well and took the game to them for a sustained period. We looked particularly threatening when we moved the ball wide although we didn’t quite get the breaks in front of goal that we needed. Defensively we were very comfortable with Swan posing little threat and the Chimp not having a shot to save. On the half hour a more direct approach paid off when a high ball into the box saw Dave Burren in the clear and he was able to head the ball over the advancing keeper for the opening goal.
At half time we were positive in our approach to kill the game off, but with such a slender advantage we knew from the home game what could happen if we relaxed. The second half began in the same manner as the first and we were again on the offensive for most of it. We were actually beginning to find more space around them but a combination of our final delivery and good keeping prevented us from pushing on. We didn’t really look like conceding although the occasional lapse and long shot kept us on our toes. We effectively wrapped things up on seventy eight minutes when a shot from Stuey Hunter was directed home by Dave for his and our second. Thereafter it was a question of whether we could add to our tally and whether the returning Tim ‘the holdall’Marshall could earn some bragging rights for the pub after. Unfortunately for him in the final minutes he decided not to get his hair dirty and ducked under a cross with the goal gaping.
It was pleasing to see us looking sound defensively with Stuey appearing to be back to his normal self . In midfield we were solid but provided good movement. Alun Evans and Olly provided good width and should be pleased with their contributions. Up front Dave and Harps are a handful for any defence and proved so.
So good preparation for the big game next week. We respect the threat that Simla pose as they are a very good side. Nevertheless we have been ominously efficient in the last few weeks and know that providing we perform to our capabilities then we can look forward to the game with confidence.
Team:
L.Baker
M.Wood
S.Hunter
N.Coxon
I.Ward
A.Evans
G.Manser
P.Bukovec
O.Allman
D.Burren
S.Harper
Subs:
M.Lawrence (for Harper)
S.Gray (for Allman)
T.Marshall (for Bukovec)