Training Triumph

Another away game in the AFA Middlesex cup but luckily not so far away this time against the only team to beat us in our preseason friendlies, Old Albanians. So to keep our hundred per cent record we had to turn that result round and take on our biggest task to date. We were to play on a 3g pitch which should suit us as we like to play the ball on the ground and we train on a similar surface. We started with most of the possession controlling the game but not really creating too many chances which led to being a bit impatient. For some reason this led to a lot of long range shooting which in all honesty did not really challenge there keeper. The season is still a work in progress and we will learn to continue being more patient and the chances will come especially against the better sides instead of hopeful shots too far out.
 
We had most of the territorial play which led to a few set play opportunities. Thankfully James Bex is back doubling the average height of the team to help us with free kicks and corners. But it was from the most unlikely source that we scored just before half time. Whilst there defence was worried about our tall player, Chris Morgan sneaked in with a run to the near post and glanced the ball home from a well executed Matt Roles corner. Yet another assist from Matt Roles.
 
The second half was quite even and we were unable to kill the game off which always leaves the game open for either side. Unfortunately it was old Albanians who drew the next blood with yet another soft goal. We gave an unnecessary free kick away which was overhit by the opposition only for us to head it back into play and into the path of an Old Albanian who smashed it past Jack Robery, leaving him no chance. Jack can count himself unlucky this season so far,as every week he pulls off saves that deserve more clean sheets but someone in the team lets the opposition have an easy goal most weeks. We will pay for this one day if we don’t tighten up on the silly goals!
 
With the scores level the game started to get a bit scrappy but the game was managed to full time. The opposition were looking jaded and we were still looking fresh thanks to the training that “most” of the boys do. So extra time was a formality as we ran them ragged. Unfortunately the opposition couldn’t make changes as they had all gone off injured so they had to play with the boys they had on the pitch and some of them were struggling. We could have scored a hatful missing many easy chances, but we only added two more from Chris Morgan & Gavin Suddell who assisted each other with their efforts.
 
It was good to see our centre half pairing back with James Bex & Max Harrowell back from their injuries. Alfie Lloyd and Alosie Onuhu filling the full back positions were very solid allowing very little to the opposition and starting many of our attacking plays. A very consistent performance all round, but the man of the match goes to Chris Morgan with his two goals and consistent play this week and previous weeks.
 
Fitness won the day without a doubt this week so I hope you have worked it out that you should all be at training and put it in when you are there. See you at 8.30 on Tuesday. NO EXCUSES
 
Garry Harrowell, First XI Manager