AFC Romans came into this game off the back of 2 defeats. That combined with the fact this lot had been a right bunch of gobby morons when we laboured to a 1-1 draw against them earlier in the season meant we were keen to put in a good preformance. Ferring stoked the flames pre-match by complaining about our pitch. Nobody's ever had a problem with this pitch and compared to some of the other surfaces the council has us play on, it's in decent knick. In particular their keeper took umbridge with the goalmouth asking Craig S the immortal question "do you have any sawdust?" What a prune salad. To complain about that he had to be really good, right? Anyway the ref upheld the complaint and made us move pitches. It worked out really well for them though as their tricky winger took two separate tumbles in the same divot within about 2 minutes of kick off. Muggins.
We started the game quite slowly. We were struggling to find our feet. Maybe we were rattled after all the pitch moving fun. Before long, however, we started to get our rhythm together. Will was starting to get on the ball and make things happen, looking to play me, Lee and Jason in. Soon we had the lead. Their centre back got his feet in all sorts of mess and ended up playing me clean through. I struck a shot low across the keeper into the bottom corner. Lift off for the Romans.
We doubled our lead quickly. Lee whipped in a very dangerous corner that was just begging someone to head in and Jason duly obliged, rising highest to nod past the keeper.
Ferring were shell-shocked. Their passing was all over the place, misplacing the simplest of balls. We on the other hand were playing incredible football, making triangles and passing round our opponents with ease. Our movement was amazing and everyone was getting involved. It was becoming evident that our new centre back pairing of Glenn and Arthur, who were both very comfortable on the ball, were allowing everyone else the freedom to play with confidence and creativity.
Our 3rd was completely avoidable from a Ferring point of view. Their left back attempted to shepherd a stationary ball behind in the area, I managed to get my foot to it and scoop it back to Fab who made a bit of a hash of his first attempt but made no mistake the second time round, firing in off the post. 3-0 up and cruising before half time.
But we weren't done yet. A brilliant flowing team move that seemed to involve every player in the side ended with Tom, who was having an amazing game at right back, as was George at left back, running onto the ball in the box and squaring for me to sweep in a simple finish. It was the kind of goal that wouldn't look out of place being scored by Man City (maybe I'm exaggerating a bit) but it was far too good for Sunday League. Al called it our goal of the season much to Barnesy's annoyance.
The ref mercifully gave Ferring a break soon after. The message from Buggy on the bench was for more of the same. He brought himself on at this point, having not started due to still returning from injury. Fab was given a rest following his worrying departure from the pitch last week. Glad you're OK mate.
We continued where we left off, on the front foot. A couple of minutes into the 2nd half I thought I had my hattrick, Lee sliding me through and me firing into the top corner. Sadly I was flagged offside. It was the correct decision. It doesn't matter, I'd just go and score another one, which I did very soon after. Will played a ball over the top which their superstar keeper, who only plays on immaculate pitches, should've dealt with easily but instead completely air kicked the ball. I ran onto it and despite there technically being an open goal I was at a very tight angle on my weaker left side. Nevertheless, I was able to slide the ball home to complete my hattrick.
Will added a 6th just minutes later with an outstanding free kick from a ridiculous distance. It was hit with real venom and totally bamboozled the keeper.
Unfortunately Ferring were then able to get on the scoreboard. It was a shame not to keep the clean sheet but the concession of the goal did nothing to dent our confidence and momentum.
Barnesy was clearly desperate to get in on the goalscoring act. He screamed in anger when a cross which seemed destined for his head was cut out by a defender.
Al had come to the game struggling with a cold and spent the first part of the match wrapped up in his coat on the sidelines. When it became apparent we may win comfortably he was up and raring to get on the field. He came on along with Craig P who made a welcome return after a long injury lay off. Good to have you back fella.
Tom got a thoroughly deserved goal shortly after to make it 7-1. Arthur headed the ball to Tom on the wing. He charged towards the box and what appeared to be a cross aimed at Al instead flew at goal, catching the keeper out and hitting the back of the net. After the game, he claimed it was on purpose. Believe what you want to believe folks.
We rounded off the scoring with a devestating counter attack, Will and I taking a couple of their defenders out with a 1-2 before I swept the ball across the box for Lee to slide home. A great way to cap off an all round phenomenal Romans display.
It was around this time George picked up a yellow for a robust challenge on their irritating number 17. I'm sure the guy's particularly charming comments in the previous match had no factor on George's decision to fly in on him.
The ref blew for full time to put Ferring out of their misery. We owed them one after the last game and boy did we deliver. To a man we were brilliant. Incredible effort every single one of you. We played free flowing football, showing class and composure, utterly playing them off the park. We should all feel very proud of that performance and take that confidence forward into our upcoming fixtures.
Man of the Match could go to everyone, but Tom was a tour de force at right back today. Solid defensively and a real threat when he joined the attack too.
Special mentions to the new centre backs Arthur and Glenn who did fantastic jobs on their debuts. I'd also like to give a special mention to Craig S who, despite a knee injury, did us all a massive favour by playing in goal. Cheers buddy.
Only one thing left to say really. UP THE ROMANS!!!
