Waking up on Sunday morning one would be forgiven for thinking the four horsemen had saddled up and were wreaking havoc across the sky. A fierce rainstorm meant that by 11 nearly every player had phoned wondering (hopefully) if the game was off. By 1 though the clouds had subsided and a winter sun was beaming down on The Common.
The appearance of the Sun was a prophetic tiding indeed as the Alex put in one of their brightest performances of the season so far. Playing on a pitch which looked more like the Somme the Alex dominated from first whistle to last. Though the surface wasn't conducive to the Alex's flowing passing game, there was some lovely link up play throughout the team and the only thing missing in the first 40 minutes was an elusive goal. Pressure however has a habit of telling, and Chimpy was there to break the deadlock just before half time. Though not the cleanest of connections it was good enough to curl away from the keeper into the top right hand corner of the goal.
Despite being untroubled at the back in the first half it was important for the team to build on their lead and a goal straight after half time alleviated any tension. A pinpoint corner from impressive left-back Simon Crouch found Riley's head who gratefully buried it past the keeper. Soon after, Alex were three goals to the good when Chimpy latched on to a good through ball from Miller, (definitely Miller, he has just text me to tell me so) and slot past the keeper to complete a deserved brace.
Alex though could have been accused of a bit of complacency and almost let Hackney back into the game. Was it not for the return of Jerzy Woodek to the team. Making his first appearance in 14 months he gallantly stepped into goal and made a flurry of excellent saves. Arguably the hardest being from Mantell who seemed desperate to prove he could score at both ends of the pitch.
Woody's performance deserved a clean sheet but it wasn’t to be as late on Hackney were able to get drop on the defence and slot into the net for a consolation.
The 3 goal margin was quickly restored when Miller was picked out with an excellent long ball from Mantell and drove it past the keeper. This puts him ahead of Mantell on six for the season. We can only presume Iain didn't realise this when he passed to him.
Full time 4-1, special credit to Chris Renouf who slipped into centre back like his favourite dressing gown after Rupert's absence and never looked troubled.
Next up Rio Kaiserslautern where an even better performance will be required to pick up all the points.
