The day started with my fine sense of direction getting quite a few players confused for some reason. There were people going to Brighton etc...
Before the match started I spoke of how Banstead were expected to play based on the information I received by a scout I sent to watch them some weeks ago. This information didn't prove to be completely correct but if you allow them to play they are a very dangerous side. I also told of the oppositions lack of discipline and to not get involved with the referee a bit of good advice that I failed to do myself in the game.
The match started with us barely touching the ball in the first 10 minutes of the game. The opposition came out of the blocks very quickly and caught us a bit cold as we were pretty much chasing shadows up until they scored a deserved goal based on chances missed before hand 1-0
This spurred us into action as we took control of the game and fashioned out some very good chances with Joe O'Brien and Ryan Butt going close from well worked moves that were flicked on by Chris Hamilton. The situation of having an entire new front two was difficult for both myself and Adam Chandler as they have a strong back four that Adam found hard to bulldoze through. That said there was some very good work done by the impressive Ben Illingworth and as always Ryan Butt. There was also the hard work of James Andy who did very well when on the ball. Then a clear-cut penalty was waved away which was very frustrating as I was in line with the referee and he saw it clearly.
As the half came to an end we all walked off very high in spirits as we knew we should be level if not ahead. I have to say that when we came off at half time I had been impressed by the way every player was really giving it everything out on the pitch.
The second half started much the same with the opposition coming out of the blocks quickly again but we knew how to deal with it. They were restricted to very little of the ball as Kingsboro took a real hold on the game and attacked. The only problem for us was even with all the possession there no real attempts on goal. Then success with a move started by Ben Illingworth into myself and a wide ball to Joe O'Brien who then put in an excellent cross for Adam Chandler. The big man might have got there but the defender decided to elbow him on the back anyway - Penalty!. The penalty was slotted home well by James Andy 1-1. The opposition went close with an effort saved very well by Paul Hooper. The defence had been exposed down both wings during the game so Dave Rugg came off for Rob McCarthy. This change was a good one as the right side of our defence looked more stable. The same can be said when Chris Hamilton(Zidane) came off for Steve Holmes. The left side of our defence looked much more stable from this point on. The match ended 1-1, there was a lot to be impressed with from this game. There was a very gutsy team performance that I have not seen too much of this season. But like last week with being very happy with the clean sheet and the manner in which we defended. This week I am very impressed with the attitude of the team. There was a very good performance from Joe O'Brien who for the last couple of weeks had not played as well as today. There was also the defence and every player who were solid enough to get a draw. I want every player reading this to remember that this is a game we would have lost earlier in the season. The last two weeks have shown me what we can do if we put our minds to it. I am really looking forward to getting this group of players promoted next season!
