Casuals and Pelham started badly in their league cup group as they were beaten away from home to Manuden Reserves. Prior to kick off, Pelham were greatful to the opposition for letting us hold a minute silence in memory of Danny McGurks wife Kathryn, our thoughts go out to him and his family at this difficult time. With Pelhams squad not being what it should be this season, there were a couple more debuts this week for Tobi Dartsch and Ant Bonini, who we hope in turn will add strength and depth to the squad, and hopefully get the club back to where it belongs and along the same path as last season. The game itself was scrappy and both teams were a bit all over the place after having a few weeks without playing. The majority of the game was played in the middle of the park and the first half was a game of half chances. Both teams had very little sight of goal but both keepers were tested during the half. A fairly poor first half ended 0-0 with neither side able to break the deadlock. The second half continued in the same fashion, very scrappy in places and played in the middle of the park. A lot of stray passing occurred from both sides and the game never really got going. However Manuden Reserves pinched the ball of Pelham in their own half and hit the away side on the counter attack. After a few quick passes the ball was quickly up the other end of the pitch and was unfortunately tucked away in the Pelham goal, making it 1-0 to the home side. After the goal Manuden rarely had a chance on goal (the only exception being a 1 on 1 with the Monk who stood tall and saved well) but Pelham had chances to score themselves. Pelhams last ball in the final third seemed to be lacking cutting edge and they wasted a number of attacking opportunities. Liam Perry had Pelhams chance of the game but couldn't convert, and after that you just knew it was going to be one of those days. Despite that chance Pelham got what they deserved from the performance and the final whistle went at 1-0 to Manuden Reserves. Not the end of the world but a game that should have been won by Pelham, however this will hopefully be the kick up the backside they need to win the league game next week against the same opponents. Although the performance wasn't great there were a couple of positive aspects from the game. Two good debuts from Tobi and Ant and hopefully over the next few weeks when their fitness levels improve and they are integrated into the team more, they will push on and improve the squad and team. One other positive was Pelhams defence who were solid throughout the game. Doug and Ant at centre back formed a solid partnership and Knighty and Matt kept their wingers at bay. Also involved in that defensive resilience was Dan Monk who produced some good saves throughout the game and seems to be improving and dominating his area a lot more as the season goes on. As of this, this weeks man of the match has to go to one of those defenders. Doug and Ant were solid at the back and played out from defence everyone the Monk had the ball which is exactly what we want to do. Both had a good game and although his passing wasn't at it best (he wasn't the only one) I'm just going to edge it towards Doug and give him this weeks man of the match. Potentially last game of the year next week so let's get a good turn out and a must win game in the leg sue to finish 2015 well, keeping us in touch with the teams at the top of the league. COYCAP
