After the disappointment that befell us last week, I asked for an improvement in all departments, fearing that if we played as the week before a strong Harpenden team would put us to the sword. Looking at the Harpenden players, there was a lot of new blood in the side, and they started very brightly underlining that challenge that we would have all game. Mid week, I was looking down the barrel of just 12 players available, of which, Myself, Jonny and Ben were carrying knocks. On Friday night I asked Gareth if he would be good enough to come along and help us out (glad I did!). The first 20 minutes saw us concede a fair amount of possession whilst holding a good shape. I asked before kickoff if we could hold a higher defensive line, as I felt the gap between midfield and defence left both banks venerable the week before. I couldn't be more please with the way we shaped up (even Gregor wasn't required to bark too often). The storm weathered, we started to push and find some passing ourselves. A pressed ball in midfield rushed a pass, enabling a Gav interception and straight long ball to Bones. Threatening the keeper at pace a delicious square form Bones gave Dale the opening goal against the run of play. With our tails up however it wasn't long before we had our second. With far too much time, and splitting runs ahead another Gav ball found the Machine in no mood to give up the gift. A delightful lob (which I though for all the world was going over) found the back of the net. 2-0. A happy team talk at half time, and rightly so, more of the same required then….. Dave and Ben gave way to Simmo and Gareth. Dave having restored his reputation somewhat after last week, and Ben suffering back trouble after being put down by a 10 year old! In fairness in his attempt to stop a fight the little knob who threw him down did so because Ben didn't attempt to defend himself or react - could have been a brawl, and probably would had he not been a kid (fair play Ben). A good point here guys, we don't need to collect needless yellows or reds, as they come and haunt you at the end of the season, as we have found to our cost in the past. I'm not saying don't get stuck in, as I know each and everyone of you would be there in a pinch, and I pity the team who ever called us on that! Our third goal came about with some fabulous passing, the ball splayed across the pitch several times before we pushed forwards decisively, Jonny exchanging with Gareth and Bones to score our third. We may have been guilty of switching off with half an hour-ish to go and our first piece of slack marking cost us a goal. I'd really have liked a clean sheet to reward the whole team who defended brilliantly to set up the platform of the win. Its good for our defenders and keeper to go home with a cleanie! We needn't have worried though, as a similar buildup to the third closed the game out for number four. Gareth again involved sent Simmo wide, and a tight angle did nothing to stop a thunderbolt drive. 4-1 Potten, job done, go home. The final quarter of an hour was as comfortable as it can ever be against what is a good Harpenden team (this is the fourth game on the trott that we have beaten them - Stadium of Darkness up next - who fancies a fith?). PC played through a hamstring to complete the game, taking a bit of pain for the team so that we didn't have to upset the defensive shape. Dan Rose with yet another excellent full back fill in. Solid, brutality from Noles and Gregor plus a sprinkle of nice high line! The Dave cup and Alkie providing good ball retention, width and a bit of cross field tennis! Jonny back to form, ably supported by his uncompromising foil Ben, and our strike force back in the grove. Good times boys. When you come off the bench it is never easy, but Simmo made it look so, and what a debut from Gareth? Drawing another Fight Club opportunity with a solid tackle and getting an assist! The only downside being the picture of him he sent to me in his pants later that evening #Disturbing! A footnote about MOM - really difficult this week. Dale sneaked it by virtue of his two goals, but many were in with a shout. A small footnote about the defending this week - excellent in most parts. I have to hold my hands up to the two times where number 11 found himself on his own whilst I ordered people into place! The point here is that we all need to be captains and marshall where players are. You can switch off even when you are trying to be switched on - As I rather embarrassingly demonstrated! Keep the talking up, it was 99% brilliant this week. More of the same next week when I have the nightmare of a million players (I hope!). Keep it Rotten.
