Pelhams performances have been a lower standard than usual as of late and they were hoping to shake that off and get back on track against Manuden United Reserves in the league. However as the game started that didn't seem to be the case as the home side struggled to get a foothold of the game and play the ball on the floor like they know they can. The first ten minutes was very scrappy and although Manuden had more of the ball they didn't really flatter either and didn't really create too much. However it was the away side who drew first blood as on the 10 minute mark as they were awarded a dubious penalty when Mark Jolley went in for a challenge on the Manuden striker and was deemed to have won none of the ball, although that didn't appear to be the case. Dan Monk has a good record with saving penalties in the last couple of seasons and did manage to get a hand on it but couldn't quite tip it round the post. With Manuden on top in the first ten minutes and deservedly taking the lead, the pattern of play didn't really change too much. Pelham again struggled to get a foot hold in the game and couldn't string too many passages of play together. However for all their possession Manuden didn't really attack the Pelham goal too much. Manudens only other notable scoring opportunity of the half was as they broke down the right hand side and managed to cut it back to the six yard box, with the scuffed shot bearing down on goal, Dan Boyce managed to hack away the ball off the line. The rest of the scrappy half was played out and Pelham went into the half 1-0 down. Pelham knew they needed to improve on a dismal first half and started the second half much better. They still weren't playing to their full potential and only hit about 50% but it was better than the first half. Pelham grew into the start of the half and were rewarded when they equalised making the scoreline 1-1. A small positive in Pelhams first half was the ever busy George Wappett and he carried on in the second half being Pelhams main attacking threat. He was the one to make it 1-1 when he chased down a lost cause and managed to nip in just in front of the keeper and slotting home. That goal seemed to calm the home side down and they started to play a little more on the floor. Again there play was only at about 50% and wasn't the best but it was an improvement on the second half. However Manuden were back in front 10 minutes later as they punted a freekick into the box which picked up in the wind and looped over everyone, finding a Manuden striker to slot home making it 2-1 to the away side. However Pelham weren't giving up knowing this would be the last half of football for the next three or four weeks. Five minutes later the home side evened the scores once again and once again it was George Wappett who stroked the ball home getting his second of the game. At 2-2 the game was still fairly scrappy and neither side really took the game by the scruff of the neck, but the goals didn't stop there. Manuden once again took the lead making it 3-2 as they hit Pelham on the counter from a corner they were defending. Once again a long ball clearance picked up in the wind and carried it over the last defender to leave Manudens striker one on one with the Monk with the earlier stroking home into the bottom corner. At 3-2 down the home side looked dejected and knew it would be a tough ask to come back with 20 minutes left and Pelham not playing too well. However the home side went again and pushed on for that third equaliser. Pelham finally hit that third equaliser on the 80th minute as Gavin Brace whipped in a dangerous freekick into the box which deflected off Jamie Richards and onto Mark Jolley as the ball perfectly rolled into the bottom corner. At 3-3 the last 10 minutes looked like it was dying down and it seemed as though each team would take a point each. However in added time Pelham had one final attack. Starting from a throw in well inside their half they managed to work the ball forward onto Steve Callan. Steve the found Wappett who took on two defenders and calmly passed the ball low and hard past Manudens keeper, putting Pelham in front for the first time in the game with what in turn was the last kick of the game. From kick off Manuden attacked but were broken down by Dan Boyce and Doug Hazell and just as Boyce was about to clear his lines, the final whistle blew and Pelhams smash and grab job was complete. The final score Pelham 4-3 Manuden Reserves. It's very rare that we get any luck when it comes to games like this, however we finally got some today and in a game that we probably didn't deserve anything, we take the full points on offer. Man of the match this week is a bit of a no brainer. The majority of us didn't really get out of second gear today, however one man chased every ball and attacked Manudens back line all game. He got a hat-trick for his rewards and sometimes when you have these kind of games where you just can't seem to get going, you need that extra bit of quality in the final third to get you out of it. Luckily over the years we have had that through various players and today it was Wappetts turn, making him this weeks man of the match. Final game of the year boys and although it's not been as smooth of a ride as last year and feels like we've been struggling in comparison, we actually go into the Christmas break in 4th place on 10 points, with 3rd on 11, 2nd on 12 and 1st on 13, so all very tight at the top of the table and within touching distance of them all. The last few weeks have seemed a bit stop start most probably down to injuries, people being away and a different 11 each week. 3 or 4 weeks off now and with the new signings we have we hope for some more consistency in the new year. As said we are close to the top of the league and have some big opportunities for a cup final. So rest up over Christmas and let's come back all guns blazing for the second half of the campaign. I'll be sending out annoying texts for Christmas drinks if anyone fancies it and also a kit King order which I finally will place as it needs to be done before the end of the year. If I don't see you before then have a good Christmas lads, and see you all in the New Years refreshed and up for it. COYCAP!and if I don't see you beifrebrainer.
