After a difficult squad selection from management, which saw us having to leave 10 bodies out, we approached the match with complete confidence with the squad of 16 we finally settled for. From minute one there was a massive sense of urgency from the lads, especially off the ball as we were able to force Desborough and Rothwell high up the pitch. This continued right up until our first goal where some good pressing and a clever assist from Gareth McBlain, allowed a composed Lee Thomson to slot the ball past the keeper. 2 minutes later Thomo added another after a great pass from Sean Porch. Thomo's hat trick was completed 6 minutes later after a defensive error from Desborough & Rothwell. 3-0 up we still had a great desire to want the ball and attack our opposition and Anthony Underwood slotted a defence splitting pass to Thomo who added his 4th. Our opposition simply couldnt handle him. HT score 4-0. We approached the second half with complete confidence and within 5 minutes of the break, Gaz McBlain latched onto the ball 20 yards out and sent an early strike with his left foot into the far corner to make it 5-0. We then made a basic defensive error which Deborough and Rothwell took advantage of and made the score 5-1. With a little complanceny setting in, we decided to throw some fresh legs on. Lee Sinclair, Kieran Docherty and Szabi Rutai came on for Thomo, Gaz and Sean and within 5 minutes of coming on, Sinky latched onto a cross from Szabi and volleyed the ball in at the back post. Allan Scott and Brendan Logue then came on for Skinner and Hoggy and Brendan made an immediate impact by making a clever run in the box and coolly finishing a pass from Sinky. 10 minutes later Brendan made another clever run and Sinky played a perfectly weighted pass through the defence and Brendan added another. With 10 minutes to go Desborough and Rothwell won a free kick after a silly foul and sent a great strike into the far top corner to make it 8-2. With the game all but over, Szabi used his energy and pace to move into the box and Sinky crossed an inch perfect pass to allow Szabi to tap the ball in the make it 9-2 which proved to be the final result also. A massive improvement from recent weeks which has seen us struggle for goals so it was fantastic to see us create and score so many goals. Credit to the lads, its been a frustrating time recently but their hard work at training definitely paid off today. We understand we wont always win this comfortably but its definitely a result that will give us a huge lift and add much needed confidence to everyone. MOM was Lee Thomson, its hard to not recognize and award someone for a devastating first half of football which seen him score 4 goals. Unplayable. Everyone else deserves a mention too, as good a team performance as it was, individually it was superb as well.
Jonny - Rarely tested but remained loud and positive throughout the game. His vocal performance week in week out is a huge asset to the team.
Scott McB - Pressed high up the pitch which made it difficult for Desborough & Rothwell to deal with. Strong figure at the back and dealt with most things that came his way.
Hoggy - Good Captains perfomance, roughed up the striker and won every header. Bought off after an hour to keep him fresh for next week.
Scott P - Cool and tidy as always. Kept everything nice and simple, swept up loose balls and quickly intervened any attempt from the oppostion. Solid.
Leechy - Played with confidence from minute one, got forward when he had to and defended with purpose. Unfortunate to come off with calf injury.
Pete Callan - Sat in the midfield and controlled the pace off the game. Most attacks came through him and kept possession well. Great defensive shield for the backline.
Ants Underwood - First game back after missing 3 and delivered a complete midfield performance. would have got MOM if it wasnt for Thomo's 4 goals. Sublime performance.
Sean Porch - Kept himself as busy as ever, won headers, darted forward with the ball, defended well. An easy selection week in week out for his midfield presence.
Gareth McBlain - Back in the starting lineup after missing out last week, employed to the front three and used his brain well. Good graft and was clever for his goal.
Skinner - Great energy, great graft, tidy runs behind the backline. Very unlucky not to score but yet again showed how dangerous he can be for defences.
Thomo - A perfect 45 minute performance. 4 goals and a complete nuisance for the Desborough backine. Rested after 55 minutes for next weeks game. Class.
Snodz - Unfortunate to miss out after playing well at left back recently. Had it not been for Leechy dropping down he would have started. Played well for his 30 mins.
Szabi - Tough decision to start him on the bench but was fantastic when he came on. Destroyed the opposition with his pace and power. A deserved goal and assist.
Brendan - 1st match back after missing 3. Devastating as always when he came on. Scored 2 great goals and roughed up everyone in his path. Brilliant.
Doco - Came on centre mid for 35 minutes and got stuck in straight away. Won important tackles and wouldnt allow the opposition to break us down. Good graft.
Lee Sinclair - A goal and 3 assists in 35 minutes of football. Unplayable for every second he was on. Far too clever for anyone that came near him. Quality performance.
