Where to start? I guess importantly we debuted the new kit this weekend (thank you's to Thermachill and Encompass). I thought we looked a bit special (needs!) as we strolled out at the Stadio non illuminatum. the pitch as ever (Raz) was in excellent nick for a game of passing football. Noting that Balmoral and Wiggle were playing each other, it was massive that we got the three points if we're to be considered title challengers this year. I to you all the importance of a win, and asked if the 16 (YES THAT'S SIXTEEN) players on my team-sheet wanted it or not…?…. FIRST HALF: Set up with a 4-4-2 starting line up, it was a fairly even opening exchange. They threw a lot of their attacks down the right hand side against Chris and myself, without overly troubling, though to be fair we weren't much troubling them either! We did manage to apply a bit of pressure however and the Machine did not disappoint, spinning and firing in when he really had no right to score. Unfortunately the lead was fairly short lived, as the Oxhey equaliser came form a well finished half volley. We could count ourselves unlucky as it was initially cleared, only for the bounce to fall kindly, albeit great skill producing the goal. I'd be upset if we hadn't made the clearance, or challenged: Sometimes good goals go in. We came in at half time, Nolan summarising the situation perfectly: Not enough composure, passing or personal responsibility, though the effort and battle was spot on. Trust yourselves, get on the ball, and pick the easy pass when its on. Too many times we played speculative passes when a simple call would have gotten the job done…….. SECOND HALF: Make no mistakes Oxhey will take points from teams this year. They are a stubborn side, pass well, and have decent strikers. They really came on to us in the early stages of the second half, and unfortunately, we were found wanting. Some indecision in the penally area, and a bit of juggling from Mark lead to the ball apologising its way over the line. Not our finest moment. We steadied after this, and started to apply ourselves, and really looked the more likely team. Ben in particular with the bit between his teeth, snarling around the midfield and breaking it up. With a full bench, I was pondering what to do to win the game, when a long Oxhey clearance produced a 25 yard goal into an unguarded net. The circumstances leading to this are worth Autopsy: 1:Communication……. When the goalkeeper shouts for the ball - he must be allowed to collect it. Its a big responsibility Position, and as last man he sees everything. 2:Communication……. The Goalkeeper must be talking YELLING at the defence all game - CONSISTENTLY positioning and dictating proceedings. 3:Confidence…… 1 & 2 above will mean that defence and keeper trust each other. The long clearance landed on the 18 yard line, where Gregor was perfectly positioned to header away. Mark was on the 6 yard line and was also perfectly positioned to call and claim - which he did, Loudly. The confusion here and its not a criticism, rather something to build on, was this: Mark - be more commanding so that Gregor could have the confidence to leave the ball. it wasn't Greg's best ever header, and it was a great strike. In hearing more from you all game calls will be trusted. We can sulk and lick our wounds, or take this as a very good learning cue? Mark you saved us a penalty last week and were a hero. This week a mistake. Who'd be a goalkeeper? We are very lucky to have You and PC…….. Us defenders want to be your bitches during the game, so BITCH UP LONG AND LOUD - ALL GAME!!!! 3-1 down, half an hour to play. Fortunately I'd been pondering the change, and the goal going in rather forced my hand, it was purely reaction. Nolan who had played well became the sacrificial pawn in a change of shape to 3-5-2. We needed to push forward, nothing less than a win would do. Alkie came on to add width with Robbie being added for a real bullish midfield five. Immediately our second goal came. The Machine repeating his first half trick of spin and goal, this time with a leftie! Take a look at Mr Simon Gill's great photo of us all traipsing back after the goal - congratulations, hope, plots and promise. 3-2 with over a quarter of the game to play. Having spent his hard earned making sure that Potten End are beautifully liveried this year, it was fitting that Rob scored our equaliser. A swing of the boot and a mass mobbing from the boys 3-3. A final substitution (and yes Dan Rose & Gareth - your support from the sideline much appreciated!), introduced the Dave cup, with his (shot) squared pass requiring ONLY desire, passion and a bloody minded determination to put it in through a crowd of players who simply didn't want it as much as your captain fantastic: Mr Ben Beer. For this and his overall performance a worthy MOM. The Machine would ordinarily have bagged the MOM for his two superb and timely strikes, but I think even he will agree that our number 7 was MASSIVE today (and not just in the showers - "what your Mum said"….). Five minutes to go. BLOW THE BLOODY WHISTLE REF……..YES! 4-3 TO THE ROTTEN!!!!! Next up Saturday: The defence of the Dave cup. Keep it Rotten.
