After nearly 6 months without a game, today was the day, the day we had been waiting for whilst all this madness in the world was going on around us. It was our first pre season friendly.
A few changes to the squad were made this year with Denva, Shayne and Jamie departing which has made way for Josh, Kailum and Arjen. Welcome on board boys for what I’m sure will be another great competitive season.
Opposition was carefully selected for today in the form of Toton who was in our division last year and we won one and lost one against so it should prove a competitive game.
As the whistle blew it didn’t take us long to take control and some really nice football started to be played so it was no real surprise when last years 2 highest goal scorers came together and made the first goal with Karsen passing through to enable Finlay N to slot the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 to Chellaston.
Only a few minutes later a decisive run down the right by Arjen enabled him to whip a cross in where the opposing team could do no more than put the ball into the back of their own net. Chellaston had players lined up to do the same so one way or another, it was going in !
At this point it really was one way traffic. A corner was awarded to chellaston and Finlay N put a lovely ball into the box allowing Archie to calmly head the ball straight into the back of the net. An extremely composed finish and great to see Archie on the scoresheet.
At the 20 minute mark we stopped for a water break where the score was deservedly chellaston 3, Toton 0.
After the break we witnessed what can only be described as a brief, slightly sloppy period of play by ourselves giving Toton a chance and into the back of the net they fired a goal to make the score 3-1.
The lads were clearly angered by this so it wasn’t long before it was 4-1 as Connor set up Arjen enabling him to score his first goal in a Chellaston shirt. Well done Arjen.
Now it was clear we were well in the lead, at 4-1 it really wasn’t showing the one way flow of traffic as on another day it could so easily have been double that. To ensure everyone got a fair amount of playing time subs were made, players were slightly out of position and people who would never normally be past the half way line, were cueing up for their chance at a goal.
Next it was usual defender Josh K to score one after he was allowed some freedom and was playing in the middle of the pitch, superbly set up by Arjen. 2 new signings combining together to score a goal was great to see.
Then Archie already a goal scorer, set up new signing in Kailum to fire one into the net to make it 6-1. This goal had been coming for some time for Kailum and again on his debut, it was great to see him on the score sheet.
And to wrap things up it was now big Harry Barlows turn. How was he already not on the score sheet. I believe he had 5 attempts, each one could have gone in and finally one did. A great corner from Kailum allowed Harry to smash one firmly into the back of the net. 5 attempts for a centre back !! Not bad that !!
And thats how the game would finish, 7-1 to Chellaston.
Now let’s be honest..... it wasn’t the prettiest game of football we’ve ever witnessed. Yes we absolutely controlled the game from start to finish and an emphatic victory was what the performance deserved but there’s lots of improvements to be made and these improvements will absolutely be made in the coming weeks / months. No one can fault the lads and yes they were all cueing up for a goal, often being well out of position but who can blame them, they’ve not played football for nearly 6 months.
All 3 new players were on the scoresheet aswell which again, was great to see. All 3 also made a positive impact on not only the game but also to the spirit of the team so well done to all of them.
I can’t fault one single player for their desire and commitment today and I really hope that all the players enjoyed playing as much as we did watching. Some notable performances for me were Harry B, cool calm and composed as always. Harry L, always on form ! Arjen, set up 2 and scored 1 on his debut and Shay. I thought Shay was great today, he always listens and does exactly what you ask for.... not the big character that some in the team are but he quietly got on with what he was asked to do and some of his running and hard work on the wing was fantastic.
Next game will be confirmed shortly but what a way to start the year off. I’m glad to be able to say..... Football is back !!!??????
