Tonbridge Rangers 1 V 3 Pembury Sunday Reserves
This week saw us take on last seasons Division 4 champions and Junior Cup finalists in the first round of the Intermediate Cup. The fact that are also a division above us meant that we knew that we were in for a tough game but our confidence was high on the back of a good start to season and the game was a good opportunity for us to assess how much we had progressed. What we produced was one of our best performances and a very good win against a decent side.
We started a little in awe of Tonbridge and their fast start and strong pressing game meant we were under a lot of pressure for the opening quarter of an hour and fell behind on 17 minutes when their full back overlapped and finished well. Thereafter we began to take control of the ball, the defence held their shape, Shawn and Wylsey started to boss the centre of the park and find Pav and Rob out wide and up front Matt and Kevin were beginning to cause real problems. The only concern throughout the remainder of the half was that we didn't get the equaliser with Kevin and Shawn having really good opportunities and the referee failing to give a clear penalty when the keeper impeded Kevin after he had rounded him. Nevertheless the half time chat was easy and positive - carry on in the same way, keep the shape defensively and we will score and go on to win the game.
In the second half we produced a great attacking performce but could not get the break through as last gasp defending and a collection of near misses conspired to keep us out. Eventually we got the little bit of luck we deserved when Kevin broke down our right and his cross was put past his own keeper by the centre half at the near post as Matt and Robert rushed in. Despite already being on top the goal gave us another lift and the impetus was with us to push on for the winner. That said Tonbridge were still threatening going forward and Tommy, Tom, Olly and Rox all made great tackles when needed. Having narrowly been caught offside on a couple of occassions when attempting to get behind them Matt and Kevin eventually got clear with four minutes left. As the defender came across to cover Matt squared the ball to Kevin who returned the favour as the keeper came out to him and Matt tapped home. In the final minute Matt nipped in as the keeper hesitated and was brought down by him as he was about to force the ball home. Although he should strictly have been red carded the ref only produced a yellow but it didn't matter as Matt recovered to despatch the penalty in the bottom corner to finish the game off.
A great performance from all twelve that had maturity and awareness combined with strong pace in all the key areas around the park. It was also really pleasing to hear such positive comments from people who hadn't seen much of us before. We must remember though that it is just a win, we've won nothing yet and we still need to get better before we do. Nevertheless we should proud of that performance until next week when we have to do it again.
Team:
Sammy Balcombe
Tom Gent
J.Roxborough
O.Bryant
Tom Lowe
P.Poliski
S.Bent
Mark Wyles
R.Curd
M.Rice-Tucker
K.Smith
Subs:
O.White (for Bent)
S.Lindsey (dnp)
