Pembury 0 v 1 Tonbridge Invicta Res
We started the season in very optimistic mood. With both Saturday sides seemingly putting player availability behind them we arrived at Woodside with a strong squad of 14 and several new players making their debuts. What was a shame though is that the league had made an error and so Phil had to ref the game which then led us not having anyone from the side that could run things for us, with both managers being actively part of the game and Phil not being able to get involved with any of the managerial aspects with his refereeing responsibilities. That aside we went into the game with a very strong team and felt confident that although it was a very different Invicta side from previous years, that we could get a result.
There’s not many highlights to comment from the game. The game was a real midfield battle with strong challenges and good passing from both sides. Barring a chance when Ollie was put through by Liam, only to be thwarted by the keeper (who to be fair had a great game when called upon) and some half chances from them at set pieces the match was very even. The team were adapting well to an enforced 3-5-2 formation with the defence and wide midfielders performing with discipline.
At half time we knew we were in a match but we felt confident we could create chances against them but knew, given the formation and the way we were playing that fitness would come into play. The second half started in very similar fashion, only a rasping shot from 30 yards by their moody forward the only attempt on goal of note. Then, unfortunately a moment of hesitancy cost us. Woody reacted a second to slow onto a ball, which the forward managed to nick first, and Woody managed to up end him in spectacular fashion that was to give the referee absolutely no choice in awarding a penalty. The penalty wasn’t the best penalty in the world, hit almost straight at Sammy in the middle of the goal, unfortunately for us he had stepped marginally to one side and couldn’t quite keep the powerful effort out. We made a few changes, which included Sammy Dowson coming on for Liam and it was he that almost got us a point when flicked through from Ollie he had a great shot saved by their in form keeper. Chances were few and far between and Invicta saw out the match to claim the 3 points with us unable to change formation and allow Chris and Charlie to be more attacking.
Positives were that we created some chances against a team that were a lot stronger than last year. We showed we can perform in different formations and all the new players fared well. If we keep up that level of performance, coupled with more games together and fitness then we can be sure we will again be a tough team to play against.
Team:
S.Balcombe
C.Fletcher
C.Duncan
T.Bowyer
M.Wood
M.Wyles
L.Turner
C.Ells
C.Mallows
O.Funnell
L.Gent
Subs:
M.Lester (for C.Fletcher)
J.Martin (for L.Turner)
S.Dowson (for L.Gent)
