Lovely morning, the sun was out and a cracking November day for another home game. This time we lined up against Netherton with Matthew in nets, Charlie, Tom and Adam in defence, Jack Whitaker, Toby and Andrew in midfield and Jack Hewitt and Oliver started up front. Nathan and Lewis started on the bench.
Aim from today was to keep a clean sheet and play as a team. We achieved aim one; so well done to all eleven players. However, in terms of playing as a team in the first half it was alittle erratic but we sorted that for a much better second half.
Crofton overall looked comfortable and created numerous openings and chances; testing the Netherton keeper in both the first and second half; in fact the Netherton keeper made some excellent stops in the second half to stop Crofton running away with it.
We scored on two minutes, even though we started slowly. Good running from Oliver and Jack Hewitt put the Netherton defence under pressure. From one of these attacks, Jack Whitaker fed Oliver those cross was converted strongly by Andrew. Well taken goal and an early lead.
We then played poorly for the next fifteen minutes, seeming off the pace and rather slow to take full control of the game. Defensively, Charlie, Tom and Adam were confident. Our midfield though lacked its normal bite and we seemed to chase the ball rather than letting our space and running do the hard work.
Two excellent goals on sixteen and twenty one minutes though meant we went in three up at half time. The second came when Nathan, just on as a sub, got his knee to a Jack Whitaker cross that flew passed the keeper. And our third came from a well taken Jack Whitaker corner that was volleyed into the net by Tom; cracking goal.
Half time team talk was about playing as a team, using the ball better and the chances would come. Full credit to the team, a vastly improved second half performance that saw us pass, move and create numerous chances. At times a joy to watch and an indication of how far we've come. Jack Hewitt had an excellent second half, holding the ball up well, battling constantly, passing accuratley and starting to run more and more at the Netherton defence. Keep it up Jack, best game in about 4 weeks.
We pushed Tom into midfield to play alongside Toby trying to make more of our possession and territorial advantage. As always Toby some lovely balls to set an attack going. Tom in turn looked assured and scored his second from some good work Jack Whitaker and Toby. However, when Tom collected the pass he cut in field, got the ball onto his left foot and let fly! Super goal and 4-0 after thirty two minutes.
My aim of a clean sheet was kept alive by Charlie and Adam playing strongly together in defence. Both defended well and Adam especially won the ball well before passing with continued accuracy. And Matthew made an excellent save late on it the second half to keep it at 4-0.
Our fourth came from Nathan on thirty nine minutes. A good strikers goal, well finished. Keep it going Nathan.
We pushed on in the last twenty minutes but just couldn't beat the keeper a further time. Tom even had a chance of a hat trick but his penalty was again well saved by the Netherton keeper.
Overall we deserved the win. At times some strong football, good individual performances and overall the team played well. I think we can up our game still further...the next few weeks before Christmas will be a decent test.
Man of the Match was difficult. Jack Hewitt played well, Adam & Charlie were strong in defence but Tom shaded it with two goals, an assured display on the ball and all round commitment; well done.
See you next Sunday.
