Our first home defeat came against a side with a 100% league record. We needed to win if we were to challenge them for the title, as we have dropped points earlier on & had some ground to make up.
Things did not look promising before kick-off when Lewis dropped out with a dairy-related injury & Luke S. called at 10.05 to advise that he required a lift from Five Oak Green. These unforeseen problems meant amendments to the management's plans,but we still had a good enough squad & starting line-up to do ourselves justice.
The first half began evenly, but as it wore on they began to assert the upper hand & were spending more time in our half than vice-sersa. Rishi had to come off with a foot injury after about 20 mins & so the tardy Smith came on at left back,with Luke H.moving to right mid-field.
The contest remained reasonably even, but they were creating better chances. However, James was dealing comfortably with anything that came his way & we were beginning to play some football of our own. One good move started down our right & the ball was moved across their box to find Ross, who couldn't quite get enough on his shot to beat their 'keeper.
We also had a great opportunity from a free kick on the edge of their box, but again the 'keeper saved easily. It seemed we would reach half-time level, until, with about two minutes left, a poor through ball came through to James, who trapped it, but failed to pick it up cleanly, enabling their forward to get his foot to it & knock it into the net. A sloppy goal & a horrible time to concede.
At half-time,credit was given for a hard-working team performance & it was stressed that there was very little difference in quality between the two sides. Unfortunately, five minutes into the second half, we conceded again,despite having chances to clear the ball. This proved decisive,as it was clear that one or two heads in our side had dropped.
Joe came on for Matt, giving us an extra forward, & showed his customary effort & endeavour, but we didn't get any breaks in their box. We were caught over-stretched & they scored a third, which gave the score an unfair slant.
For the first time this season, we have to accept that we didn't deserve anything from a game, as we didn't create any worthwhile chances. As a group we have ability & the potential to achieve success, but must be prepared to recognise our weaknesses & learn from & not repeat mistakes. We have not got a scheduled fixture this week-end & as the first team are at home, this seems like an opportunity for our players to go & see how more experienced players react in game situations.
Team:
J.Ramskill,
T.Lowe,
L.Hattle
N.Sargent,
N. Edwards,
M.Rice-Tucker,
N.Twiggs,
R.Patel,
R.Taylor,
R.Hendley,
R.Stanton.
Subs
L.Smith for R.Patel
J.Upstone for M.Rice-Tucker