Back to the league programme & changes were made after last week's disappointment.Luke Smith came in at left back, Luke Hattle pushed on to the right side of mid-field & Ross replaced Matt (who was called up by the reserves) in the centre. Nick Forward started on the left & Richard moved back up front with Rob.
We started brightly & were well on top even though we were playing up the slope,helped by them having only ten men for the start of the game. They were soon up to full strength but we were playing all the football & were dominating play. Chances were coming & from one good move a low cross from Rob was missed completely by Richard and came to Nick at the far post, who couldn't keep his shot down. We took the lead when a blocked shot from Ross fell to Nat whose good effort their 'keeper couldn't hold.
Rob was quickest to the rebound & he netted smartly.We should have had a penalty when a long ball into their box saw their 'keeper flatten Richard,but the ref. somehow said that he had played the ball & gave a corner. Our defence was dealing comfortably with their attack & so James had very little to cause him concern.
At half-time it was stressed that we continue with our passing game & not get carried away hitting too many long balls down the slope. Rishi replaced Nick & we began the second half strongly. An excellent move down our right, involving Tom & Luke H, put Richard away & his low cross was finished off by a sliding Rob, for the best goal of the game.
We were well on top now & the third wasn't long in coming. A corner wasn't dealt with by their 'keeper & it fell to Luke S who buried it. Both remaining subs came on & made an impact. It was Joe's hard work & persistance in chasing down a long ball into their box, that created the fourth, leaving Richard with an easy finish.
So a good three points away from home & very nice to keep a clean sheet. Also important was the performances of all three subs when they came on. Rishi was very unlucky not to score when his shot hit the underside of the bar bounced on the line, back up on to the bar & fell in to the 'keeper's arms. Joe & Lewis showed endeavour & comittment. This shows everyone that there is real competition for places & no-one can be complacent about selection.
Team:
J.Ramskill,
T.Lowe,
L.Smith,
N.Sargent,
N. Edwards,
N.Forward,
R.Taylor,
N.Twiggs,
L.Hattle
R.Hendley,
R.Stanton.
Subs
R.Patel, for N.Forward,
L.West, for L.Hattle,
J.Upstone for R.Hendley