It was the last game before Christmas and all around was covered in snow …………. Err well actually it was a mild but windy day

This weeks squad was Josh, Callum, Morgan, Edonis, Jack, Theo, Louie, Faizan, Connor, Charney, Reynolds, Kevin, Tom and Joel

The match started a quick pace but we definitely took control of the midfield very quickly and pushed them on to the back foot. Reynolds had a couple tricky chances first of all but at least worked the keeper each time. Theo also was released by Connor down the left and did well to beat his man and get the shot away. The chances were coming thick and fast but we still had to be aware defensively as they were very much a route one team. Callum made an excellent sliding tackle to stop one of these break a way’s. The best chance for me in the first 20 minutes fell to Charney who’s pace caused them trouble all day as he ran into the box the keeper made an excellent diving save. It was then the turn of our keeper to make a great save from a free kick which Josh pushed out from going into the top corner. It was about now that Nick played a master stroke and gave Reynolds a rest and pushed Tom upfront. Very quickly we scored what for me was a good goal however the referee went with the linesman decision for an offside on a player who was offside but didn’t get the ball. (Linesman must of had a very bad shoulder as his flag was up most of the day). Anyway you kept probing and got the goal you play deserved in the first half. Morgan won the ball from the opposition who then passed to Connor who then played the ball into space for Tom to run on to. As the keeper came Tom calmly slotted the ball with his LEFT foot. Half-Time 1.0

The second half was always going to be tough as we were against the wind and they were going launch it at us. It was here that Jack, Kevin, Edonis, Morgan and Louie really stepped up clearing the lines and pushing the ball forward all the time. We defended really well the long throws and Corners. however after 15 minutes they pulled a goal back a cross was deflected off a defender and it nestled in the corner. 1.1. Now usually we go into our shells a bit, argue a bit , blame each other but not today you encouraged rallied round and wanted to push for the win.

Nick played his second tactical stroke of the pushing Kevin upfront and pulling Tom to centre half. This was soon to pay off. After about five minutes Charney got away down the right played a great ball to Kevin who got in front of his man to power home a great header. 2.1

Almost straight from the kick off Faizan won the ball back and drove into the box and unleashed a thunderous shot. Great goal 3.1

We still had 10 minutes to play and didn’t need any silly goals conceded Josh made another great save from a free kick but other than that back four were resolute and cleared everything that was thrown at them. Connor had a couple of shots that went wide from outside the box one which was pushed away for a corner. From the corner Faizan played the ball in and Reynolds hit a bullet header home 4.1

We still had time for one last chance Joel broke from the half way line and run towards goal pursued by the entire back four. As the goalie came out he clipped it past the keeper for it too only hit the post ….. So unlucky Final score 4.1

Just have to say you all played really well today and supported each other. MotM went to Morgan who cleared and tackled really well today he was a rock in defence.

Nick and I will see you all on 4th Jan away 2PM Kick Off. Please let us know if you cannot play

All have a great Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a Fantastic New Year.