So today we were back in league action after our enforced 2 week layoff and playing Horsham Tigers for the first time this season.

Our opponents kicked off the game, a game where I had asked the boys for a big effort from the kick-off so we could put that bad result of last time behind us, the guys responded well, totally dominated the early exchanges and it was only about 3 minutes in game when Adam slipped a good ball through to Freddie to score our first. We didn’t have to wait too long either to see goal No.2 when Josh crossed a nice ball in for Adam to convert.
These early goals settled the team and we dominated from this point on, we had lots of possession and our third came when Benjie passed through to Freddie for him to get his second.

A forth was added by Jack, a shot which he hit from the edge of the box through a crowd of players into the back the net.
The half ended with Freddie getting his hattrick and Saint Hill being 5-0 to the good.

So we kicked off the second half in good shape, I’d changed things a little, switching Adam and Will and also putting Josh up front with Freddie to experiment with a 4-4-2 formation. It was noticeable that the pitch was cutting up and getting heavier to play on, the play looked more lethargic and both teams were miss-placing some of their passes.

In the early part of the half we had a couple of good chances, one in particular when it looked like Josh has lobbed the ball over the keepers head to score but unfortunately it was just going wide, but Adam was there to follow up but he hit the post and then Will was there to follow up on the rebound but he hit the post too.
Soon after that we conceded our only goal of the game with some messy play in our area and we failed to clear the ball and allowed Horsham to score.

After this I decided my 4-4-2 experiment wasn’t working quite as I had wished and so reverted to the 4-5-1 we are used to.
After that we picked up the game a little and wasn’t long after when Jack almost scored his second but was denied with the final touch coming from Freddie to score his fourth.

As the gamed neared its end we Adam played a short corner to Ben De Turris who scored the goal of the match when with great finesse he hit a curling shot into net.
So overall a good game and a great result of 7-1, which means we well and truly put behind us the unfortunate result of our last match,

It was really pleasing how the defence coped with all which came their way today, both centre backs Jon and Ben looked solid winning first time headers and clearing up field endless times and is also great to see when they have time on the ball all the defence are happy to pass the ball and link up with the midfield.

Also the three in centre of the Midfield all has good games, making good challenges, great vision to make their passes and was great to see Jack rewarded with his efforts (not going to mention the trick shot Jack :o)!!!! )

Adam too had a good game on the left wing in the first half and showed some great ball control especially as the pitch was so heavy.

But today for my man of the match I go back to Ben De Turris who I felt made some good tackles, was also willing and confident to take the ball forward before making his pass and completed his great performance with a superb goal and the end  of the match.

Goals:
Freddie
Adam
Freddie
Jack
Freddie

HT 5-0

Horsham Tigers Goal
Freddie
Ben De Turris

FT 7-1

Well done lads keep up the good work…..