Pembury 2 v 2 Penshurst Park
We were full of confidence this week after a great result against Woodlands. We were to play newly promoted Penshurst Park who had won convincingly against High Brooms in their opening game in the Premier Division. We had a few personnel changes but we still felt that with our added confidence we should be able to pick up 3 points. We spoke before the game about correcting the errors of the previous week where we were suspect in periods and called for more voices in the team.
The game started and all comments made during the team talk didn’t seem to make their way on to the pitch. We were sloppy in possession, weren’t taking control of the situation, quiet and at times looking a little disinterested. We had to absorb a decent amount of Penshurst pressure but fortunately found our way in front when Ollie made it 2 in 2 games from outside the box as it deflected off their CB beyond their helpless GK. We would have thought this bit of luck would have inspired us but we continued to play in a fashion that was going to get us into trouble and it soon did as from a corner that wasn’t cleared we found ourselves at 1-1 and it stayed this way until the break.
We had become frustrated, both at ourselves and at each other and that wasn’t helping the cause of the team or individuals. At half time it was stressed that we were lucky to still be in a position to win the game and that if we could pull off a 2nd half like last week then we could get ourselves another 3 points, otherwise we would end up losing a game that deep down we feel we should be able to win.
The second half started in much the same vein and despite some decent moves at times we couldn’t quite get in together for prolonged periods and it was no surprise when they took the lead. With 15 minutes remaining we were handed another lifeline when Wyles showed great determination from a corner and rose to put us back on level terms. We tried afterwards and maybe with a bit more confidence in the final third we could of snatched something, although it would have been very harsh on Penshurst if we had.
We are in cup action next week against Woodlands again and the last result against them counts for nothing. If we play like we did this weekend we could end up out of the competition. We should take a minor positive out of the game in the sense that some may say we didn’t deserve a point and so to come away not playing our best and still not losing is something we can take heart from. Despite the lacklustre showing, Luke Turner continued to be a driving force in midfield and coupled with Wyles kept fighting until the end. Heads up and we’ll put it right this week.
Team:
D.Hymers
N.Edwards
C.Fletcher
T.Bowyer
S.Palermo
T.Gent
C.Mallows
M.Wyles
L.Turner
L.Gent
O.Funnell
Subs:
H.Webb
C.Veli
