Despite a slightly later kick-off, the Alex arrived at the ground looking fresh and keen to make a good start to the 2012/13 season.
The opening stages of the match saw a familiar Alex side looking resilient, with great shape and a desire to shut out the opposition early. Possession was frequently exchanged in the early stages as both teams tried to find their rhythm. Lavery, stand-in keeper for the injured Gandy, showed no signs of nerves and made a string of fine saves which was a theme throughout the whole match. Both teams had their chances, particularly with headers in the box, but it was the Alex that were first to get off the mark.
A typical surging run from Stroudy at the heart of Rio's defence saw the winner of 2011/12's Icon award bundled to the ground illegally. A full 30-yards out, skipper Matt Wood stepped up and curled the ball into the top left corner, evading the goalkeepers sprawling cluthches. 1-0 to the Alex.
The first goal had a positive effect on the home team and they rallied again, attacking with renewed vigour. A mere 4 minutes later and messers Stroud and Wood again combined to great effect. A square ball from the former, found the latter on the edge of the box. A jink and cut past two defenders saw Wood rifle the ball into the bottom right corner with his left foot.
With a 2-0 lead the Alex continued to work hard and had a stable formation that was able to stifle the threats of the opposition. A new pairing for centre backs Beef and Templeman showed the men to be in bullish moods to prevent the opposition from getting on the score sheet. Ably supported by tough tackling full-backs Cheeseman and Akash, the Alex were largely shutting up shop. However, the Alex were eventually undone with a bullet header from a corner. 2-1.
Half time came and went, with proceedings fairly even. The next goal appeared to be crucial. Gaffer Riley made a couple of substitutions with new-boys John and Biggs making their Clapham Alexandra debuts after signing just prior to the transfer deadline. The new recruits looked fit and eager and this cascaded to the whole team. Ford and Moore showing strong evidence of pre-season fitness showing out against the opposition - strong running and tough tackling enabled them to outpower the opposition throughout. 10 minutes after the subs were made, a Biggs hearder, followed by a Stroud header found Mantell storming past 2 players and rifling a hard shot, low into the bottom right corner. A pivotal goal that effectively put Rio to bed.
The Alex started with resilience and this is how they ended the match. The players gave their all and closed down from the front with great desire. This led to a goalkeeping error, as the opposition number one miskicked a clearance. The ball looped up to newcomer Biggs who deftly nodded home from an angle of all of 18 yards. A fine contribution from an encouraging start.
The Alex will be encouraged by this start and will hope to build on this positive base. A good job by all.
