Team:  Lee, Tom, Alex, Billy, Jack, Luke, Conall, James (Cpt), Lewis,

Rob, Liam, Joe, Sam

MoTM:  Conall

Goal:  Alex 1  Conall 1

An altogether better performance and score line today, although Southdown were unlucky, hitting both the crossbar and the post, and it could have easily been a much tighter match.

From the side lines we slightly wondered what the Ref was up to when he shouted “round you go” to the boys before kick off – was this an impromptu barn dance? But it was just a nice touch with the boys all shaking hands with each other and the Ref.

The first 15-20 minutes saw us all a bit shaky, possibly slightly nervous (or not quite awake from the extra hour in bed) and Southdown with a lot of possession in our half were lively and taking a degree of control. Sam seemed to wake everyone up with a defensive slip, giving the ball to the Southdown forward and a goal looked certain, however a remarkable recovery and he scrambled it from the line – phew. We just seemed to improve from then on. A few good chances went begging: 2 well delivered free kicks from James just inside the half way line, Rob’s lovely cross from deep in the left hand corner, Lewis’s free kick couldn’t quite find a head and Luke’s carefully controlled free kick to Liam (after Lee had been brought down on the edge of the box) again couldn’t be finished off.  Steve’s cryptic cries of “angles” didn’t seem to impact either, we went in at half time 0-0.

The second half saw both teams evenly matched to start with, but we edged away with the football and the score. Some lovely play took the ball to Liam right on the goal line, who tussled for the ball and it fell nicely back to Alex who deftly found the back of the net 1-0. It was not only a relief to be ahead but it seemed to lift the standard of play and we took more and more control. Once again Luke was called upon for a free kick just outside the box, it was a stunner and impossible to defend as Conall sprang and headed it home, a great goal 2-0.

A good all round performance today with everyone working so hard and working together. I believe the Ref even commented on the good attitude when we had 2 goals disallowed for off side. Well done. A special mention to Conall for not only the tremendous header to put the game beyond Southdown’s reach, but some fine play, attacking and defending.

A little bit of confusion from the side lines again with both coaches shouting at Luke, Jack and Billy – seems these are popular names on both teams.

Neil was Lino today – thank you.

Jenny Jackson