In true Potten End tradition, we had a number of absentee’s this week (Gregor/Ben/Christian/Alkie/Jonny), so it left us a little short on paper at least. I was however still able to field a 14 man squad with Mikey, PC and the Dave cup on the bench. Squad depth they tell me!
So, we faced a team above us in the league and away from home. I made a big call to play Diego in the middle with Kieran, and if I’m honest it was for non footballing reasons, in that I just thought that there was good chemistry between the two, and that they would try really hard for each other (being as they are really hard for each other!). Of course it doesn’t hurt that they are neither of them short on ability! Dale and I chatted about it beforehand, and I went with my gut. A solid start though defensive, we played our way into the game and the new personnel. We had to do our share of defending, but the shape was good. 0-0 went on for some time, until some pressure and good play produced a penalty that the Machine elected to take….. and then wished he hadn’t. Penalties are a difficult job, and unless you have experienced it, never have a go at anyone who has the bottle to take one. You are expected to score, so are set up to fail! Diego & I will deal with these between us for the rest of the season. It takes character to bounce back from a disappointment, and there are those that will, and those that will hide. Fortunately for us, the Machine if from the former school. Robbie delivered a wicked drilled cross some ten minutes after the penalty, and a diving I WANT THAT sort of header speared its way unstoppably past the Hunton Bridge keeper. One striker helping his buddy out, top work. The new midfield pairing, with solid responsibility from Gareth and Dan, meant that we were always covering the Bridge attacks. Their skipper is a great player, and the reason that they are so high in the table, however he didn’t get a sniff from the centre and it stifled them. With that controlled it made it much easier for the combined 95+ year old centre backs to deal with it, and play the ball out from defence. Nolan & I were very pleased. Tired, but very pleased. As if to underline the Central quality, The second and third were made in midfield with Gareth providing for Diego and then scoring from good Machine work. All in all I can only thank you boys for taking what was an experiment on my part and turning it into a success. You all worked your socks off out there. Gary came off after a sterling display, and when I asked Dan for cover, he filled in without hesitation and good attitude for the job. Stevie back in the squad produced his now standard solid display (hats off). Robbie again ran his socks off from his MOM performance the week before, and aided his strike partner admirably. MOM this week is certainly Diego. Kieran deservers credit for making the pair and for 80% of the time sticking to my passing brief (there’s still a bit more there Kieran!). D’ you worked on the spaces, won your headers, scored and talked. You repaid my faith in spades. A week off now chaps, and some interesting choices when we return! Keep it Rotten.
