Whilst it is always disappointing to lose any game the defeat to Simla on Sunday was softened by the fact that it was the Kent Cup, had a slightly weakened team and by the fact that we actually played very well and were very unfortunate to lose. Simla were very much as expected - a mixture of determined aggression interspersed with some good football. Nevertheless we stood firm against the aggression and for long periods took the game to them.
It is particularly important though when playing Simla that you don’t allow them to dominate you as they are a far better side when they are on top or in front. Unfortunately, we did that on Sunday and fell behind on ten minutes when Wardy mis-timed a tackle and the resultant penalty was well taken. Despite this we had the better of half, had several good opportunities, hitting the bar with one, and with a little bit of luck would have turned round comfortably in the lead.
At half time we stressed for more of the same and believed that if we got the equaliser then more would follow. Deservedly we equalised on the hour when Peter Bukovec made a good run down our left, cut in and squared to Danny McGahan to fire home. Simla were visibly tiring but a lack of finishing and quality final ball meant we couldn’t grab the all important second that would have finished the game off. With neither side really wanting extra time both sides continued to go for the win and both keepers pulled off fines saves to prevent a winner.
With several Simla players appearing dead on their feet we were very confident at the whistle that we would go on to win. However, once again we gave Simla renewed hope when early in extra time we gave the ball away in midfield and enabled them to break. Some tired defending allowed them to get to the bye line and pull the ball back into the box where their centre forward who was barely able to run was on hand to shoot home. After that our play, for the only time in the match, became ragged and we gave the ball away too much. This enabled a rejuvenated Simla team to defend in numbers and keep us bay for the remainder of the game.
So our first defeat of the season but a lot of positives gained. Both full backs, Marc Wood and Oliie Allman, looked confident on the ball and gave good attacking options without compromising us defensively. Ollie in particular made a fine debut at left back and showed good promise. Apart from the last fifteen minutes, our passing and movement continued the trend of recent weeks and if this is maintained we will continue to do well. Likewise the spirit and commitment of all the players. Finally, Simla are a good side but we saw nothing to suggest that there is anything to be afraid of, providing we compete physically, in the league matches ahead.
Team:
L.Baker
M.Wood
O.Allman
A.Lindsey
I.Ward
B.Leete
G.Manser
M.Lester
D.McGahan
A.Evans
M.Millins
Subs:
L.Gent (for Manser)
P.Bukovec (for Evans)