The first home match of the season saw us entertain our old rivals from Epsom and Ewell A’s.
A good strong team.
Four matches against them last season saw us pick up 6 points in the first two league encounters, progress through the first round of the League Cup and in our final match of the season pick up the point we needed to win the League…..aagh great memories.
The last two matches had been against had been very close affairs and this one turned out to be the same.
An early kick off and it looked like a few of our lads had not been out of bed long!!
I am reliably informed that E&E took the lead after 26 seconds. We hadn’t quite switched on in the midfield as to who was marking who and from a throw in the scorer was unmarked in our box. He finished it well but shouldn’t really have been allowed the time or space. I am sure the boys will learn from this for the future.
The goal seemed to shock the lads. We lost our composure and rushed, mis-kicked and hoofed the ball all over the place. Lesson 1 in football – relax and maintain possession of the ball by passing, moving and communicating – we can’t score if we don’t have the ball and they can’t score if we have the ball- simple.
Someone suddenly flicked the switch and all the boys started playing really well for the second part of the first half. Strong tackling, passing, and moving – a delight to watch.
This led to one of the best goals I have seen us score. Toby won his battle in midfield and laid it off to Harry P, who spun and played a 30 yard diagonal defence splitting pass into to space. Jacko raced to meet it leaving his marker in his tracks, rounded the keeper and slotted home 1-1.
We kept the pressure on and had a few half chances that we didn’t manage to convert. Half time 1-1.
The second half saw limited chances at either end with Harry J breaking through and nearly putting us in the lead.
With just over 10 mins to go the E&E striker loses his marker and scores a good goal. From this point we had to gamble and went down to three at the back. Tired legs, a bit of a mix up and it was 3-1 with 5 mins to go.
We huffed and puffed and ended with a 2-5-3 formation but it wasn’t to be and Epson & Ewell ran out worthy winners on the day.
Food for thought –Be positive and believe in yourselves and the team. I do and I know your mums and dads do….
Ooh and happy September birthday’s to Nick, Lewis and Evani ……and to Alex for this coming Saturday. The old boys in the team!!
