"The 4's turned up at a cold and windswept Riverside Lands intent on getting back to winning ways following a disappointing draw the previous week. The team, missing Jermaine (call up), Matt (adventuring) and Ash (injury) but relishing the return of Sam, started the game slowly. Struggling to keep hold of the ball on the heavy, bobbly pitch, Meads dominated possession but found chances hard to come up. George hit a chance wide, and couldn't quite manage to put the finishing touches to a goalmouth scramble, while the wingers struggled to assert any dominance on a solid opposition back 4. Their giant midfielder and pacy left winger were causing problems, creating two good chances towards the end of the half which, luckily for Meads, came to nothing. Halftime arrived and with Luke blowing, Sam came onto the pitch for his first competitive game for 6 months. This signalled Meads' change in approach, adopting a more attacking 4-4-2 formation. Within 5 minutes the deadlock had been broken. Owen provided a pinpoint cross onto the head of Jon who, leaping like a salmon, headed home to put Meads into the lead. Minutes later, a dinked through ball down the middle from Owen was collected in front of the defender by Sam who drilled home under the keeper to make the score 2-0. Meads were growing in confidence, but a defensive lapse and some luck gave Woodhousians a chance which they duly took. Nerves started to creep in, but were quickly extinguished. A good move down the middle resulted in an opening for Owen who cut inside the defenders and cooley put the ball into the bottom corner for 3-1. Minutes later, Jon scored an almost identical header to his first from another Owen corner. Woodhousians hadn't given up, and a strong run and shot from their striker was well saved by Tim, who proceeded to mop up the loose ball before anything came of it. The fifth goal was a moment of individual brilliance from Owen. Sam, collecting a smart long goal kick from Tim on the left, swung in a high cross which Owen volleyed first time from the edge of the box into the bottom corner. A great goal, especially considering the windy conditions. More was to come. After some bustling play from Tinashe on the right, the ball eventually found its way to Owen, who once again cut inside the flailing defenders to put the ball into the corner for a well deserved hat trick. A great second half performance from Meads, who dominated throughout and who put the oppo to the sword in winning 6-1. Defensively controlled with an deadly attacking edge, if Meads convert this ruthless form to the league a chance of silverware is a possibility. MOM went to Owen for his match winning performance, with Jon's goals and George's usual tireless display also recognised in the voting.
Bring on next week for a chance to carry on the good work! MEADS!"
