It was another case of so near and yet so far for the Alex as they slipped to their second successive defeat at the start of the 11/12 campaign...
It was another case of so near and yet so far for the Alex as they slipped to their second successive defeat at the start of the 11/12 campaign on a sunny Wandsworth common
The first two games have not been without promise. Few would argue that the Alex haven’t strengthened over the summer, but it looks like some of the other league’s heavy hitters have also been busy in the transfer market, and the reality of what it will take to succeed in the Premier League must be starting to hit home for Alex players and fans alike.
The game started at a fast pace with both sides attacking the ball fiercely, the main difference between the sides being the ability of Ladzio to make and take their chances. Two goals in first 30 minutes put Alex on the back foot - both were scored from good crosses that found the head of the blues' towering number 9. At the other end Clapham’s efforts were quickly extinguished by a well organised back four. There wasn’t much in it but just before half time Clapham got back in the game, as good build up play found the trusty right of James Wardle who buried the ball in the bottom corner.
The second half started with Ladzio taking the initiative once more. Their speedy winger skipped past Stuart Thompson and drilled a ball into the corridor of uncertainty/avenue of anxiety whatever you call it, and it was duly tapped in at the back post by number 9 who truly made it the boulevard of broken dreams. 3-1.
Credit where credit's due though, the Alex responded well, working hard, getting the ball down well and still playing their brand of passing football. Special mention duly goes to Thomas Stroud, in the middle, and Christopher Renouf, on the right, who never stopped running and rarely gave the ball away. Tom Riley pushed up into midfield (much to the horror of Richard Black if he reads this) trying to force the issue and the Alex slowly managed to start dominating possession higher up the field. Endeavour was rewarded when, eventually, a through ball reached an Alex striker, as opposed to a Ladzio centre back, and substitute Oliver Miller flashed it across the face of goal and it was deflected into Ladzio net.
It was too little too late though as the Alex had no time to complete the comeback. Another close game, and once more our efforts go unrewarded. Good results won’t come easy at this level but surely with our team sheet we have the ability to compete. Bring on Hackney next week and let’s see if we can get the season really started.
