Dormansland Reserves 2 V 1 Pembury Sunday Reserves
Disappointed really sums up this weekends events. Disappointed in the fact that we had to reduce our squad to supplement the first team to such a large extent and that as a consequence we could not select our original line up and further as we had a lack of subs we were not as managers able to influence or initiate the changes that were needed in a testing game. On top of that we should all be disappointed with the way we performed as despite the upheaval if we had played anywhere near our best we would have won comfortably. Our preparations were not the best and not having a referee (or a whistle) didn’t help. That said the referee was not the cause of the loss as whilst he was not that good he was not biased and in fact I think most decisions that were dubious (apart from the penalty shout for a push on Millsy) he gave our way.
We were forced into making changes to the line up which meant that at no stage in the game did I feel comfortable that we had the right shape. Also for most of the first half everybody seemed more concerned with organising others than getting themselves organised and as such we were disjointed and had no fluidity in our a play. Despite that we dominated the first half and should have been considerably more than the one goal up that we were. The goal came on nineteen minutes when a knock down in the box fell to Matt R-T and he fired home. There was the odd warning sign as to what Dormansland could offer up front if allowed but generally they had few opportunities and we had several good chances to score more.
The point was made at half time that we needed to step up our game if we were not going to make things difficult as despite being the better side I was not comfortable with the way were playing. Too many players were having off days either due to being out late on Saturday, lack of motivation or just because that it was one of those days. Nevertheless the warning was not heeded as three times in the first six minutes of the second half we gave the ball away and they broke through our defence. Fortunately they messed up the opportunity on the first occasion but unfortunately they did not on the next two and suddenly we were two one down. This spurred us into a bit of a reaction and we proceeded to create chances without success. As the half progressed and we had not scored our play became urgent and anxious and as a result we often took wrong options or rushed at opportunities. Additionally as we pushed on we exposed ourselves even more with Dormansland becoming an even greater threat on the break. We did though have some really good chances to score that were blocked, narrowly missed the post and when we did hit the target some inspired keeping by their keeper kept us out - one being a fantastic reflex save from a bullet of a header from Pav close in.
So a day of disappointments and some serious thinking required by the management to make sure we return to winning ways. Whilst it is a defeat it is only our second of the season and we still have a small gap of points in hand over the clubs hunting us down. It does mean though that there is little margin for further error and certainly not for a repeat of this performance. I am convinced that on our day when we are well prepared that we are the best team in the league and could be deserving champions, however there really is not much between us and the other teams and as Sunday proves if you don’t have a squad with options, are not right for the game and do not perform then you will not get the result.
Let’s take Sunday as a lesson and go on and push for the title from here. Mark and I now have some difficult decisions to make as to starting elevens in the next few weeks, however as Sunday proves it is not the eleven that wins things but a squad and we shall be working on that.
Team:
M.Bolton
T.Gent
J.Roxborough
D.Hymers
J.Campbell
K.Smith
S.Bent
M. Wyles
R.Curd
M.Millins
M. Rice-Tucker
Sub:
P.Poliski (for Wyles)
