Corinthians v Ashingdon 1sts
0(0) v 0(0)
08/10/11
League
We finally started to put together our football and came up against a well organised and solid team. So now writing the match report I have very mixed emotions. We should of won we had 3 penalty appeals, we started and threatened the opponents goal in the first minute and constantly in both halves yet we couldn’t find the final pass or finish to get all the points.
My mixed emotions then spring from the good performances we are putting together but frustration were not walking of winners. This could be because of a couple of things, were still coming together as a team. Were still finding our rhythm a little and were still unable to put out a full strength team. Saying this doesn’t mean the players were using aren’t playing well because most are it just goes to show how strong we are as a squad and highlight the need for everyone to keep putting in the efforts so we can get our just desserts.
The score line might seem to indicate a dull game but as mentioned it was far from it, the game flowed from end to end and we were resolute and solid in defending then sharp and at times too quick in the attack. The first half saw excellent performances from Matt W in midfield and Hat boy with his ‘jinking runs’. Its true to say also that Sam at left back was a massive influence and Dean M started to run the show from the off.
We also had good performances from our defenders Big Joe, Steve and Nana. Gav in goal coming in for Brad was solid and gave confidence to his defenders also offered us our first shut out of the season, both of our subs (Deano and Adam) too came on and contributed well to a one way second half which had Ashingdon hanging on and praying for the final whistle. We could have had 2 penalties with Dean M getting upended twice and Loui M going through one on one and the keeper clipping him. We also created more in this game than the last 2 games so offensively were improving. Last week we trouble the keeper very little, this week the keeper was worked harder.
The second half then awarded furthered the plaudits for our team performances and our spirit. Ashingdon 1sts are no mugs they have been playing in this division for 5 years together and to this that last year you were playing their seconds you can see we have stepped up as players and a team. Ashingdon showed they are ready for the fight and will be hanging around near the top of the table with all the other good teams in this division. Our plus points start then with the fact we now have played all the top sides in the opening weeks, we have matched them and should have beaten at least two of them. My puzzle is to see how we manage and fill that task that in the coming weeks.
Mind you my problems don’t stop there we have 6 other players that were not available today; each of those will want a chance to shine. It’s your jobs to stop that from happening. That will recommence with a home tie against Old Southendian 3rds in the Charity cup this Saturday. A team that has played 3 lost 3 and a team that needs to change their current run of form. This is a very winnable game we will be able to exploit their lack of confidence and progress to the next round. We will also be able to welcome back a few of our missing team mates and build on our last games good performance.
The way I saw it
Name
Rating
Comment
Gavin
8
First clean sheet of the year, says it all. Good
Nana
7
Solid in defence, need to be confident in distribution.
Joe
7
First 90 this year, solid although you felt it towards the end
Steve B
7
Theirs only one Steve burgess, few mistakes added voice to the team
Sam
8
Good going forward, backward. On the ball and off it.
Matt W
8
The metronome in the middle until injured and replaced
Ant
7
Lively all through the game.
Dean M
8
Great link up with the attack and defence, unlucky not to have 2 pens
Loui M
7
Offered a great outlet all match, rounded the keeper but shot went wide
Loui R
7
Caught offside at last, menacing all game gave 2 of their players a hard time
Dan L
7
Combined great skill with enthusiasm, do not try too hard or you get isolated
Subs
Deano
7
Header on target did a job in the midfield yet again.
Adam S
7
Came on gave more in 30mins this week than all of last week.
