Reigate Hill v Battlebridge
Warwick School
Final score: 7 - 2
A very convincing win in the first game back of the season against a well established division 3 Saturday team in rain soaked conditions. A very soft early penalty led to the Liquid falling 1 nil down after a competitive first 15 minutes. Reigate stepped up after a gear after this and after a great bit of link up play Harvie put a beautiful ball in the box which Tulley confidently put way in front of his proud Girlfriend. We didn't have to wait too long for the second after a great run Rob Wigley was taken down in the box and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way with the penalty leaving us 2-1 up after the first third.
After making a few changes Tulley returned the favour and assisted Harvie who confidently slotted the ball past the keeper. At this point the Liquid really took over and from back to front really started playing some great attacking football. Mikey in his new position made some great yardage with the ball at this feet and threaded through Sam Bickerton who's finish left the keeper in no man's land. At this point Frankie, Gaz and Tulley really started combining and after a great run Frankie's long range shot went in via a deflection flew past the startled goalkeeper. After a great bit of team link up play Frankie played through Gaz who with a well taken finish scored the sixth. Driver who impressed at left back, after winning a tussle on the left played a long ball into the middle which after a scramble Tulley finished off. Unfortunately Lovell at this point had to come off due to injury after being taken out whilst winning a loose ball in the oppositions box.
In the final third 7:1 we made a few changes positionally wise with Lewis and Reid each taking it in turns in DM, as well as Mikey moving into the middle and Green and Harvie each trading positions on the right with Bobby in defence. With the changes and the scoreline the intensity slightly dropped though the Liquid had a few more chances to add to the scoreline, but unfortunately couldn't finish. Battlebridge pulled one back with around ten minutes to go, at this point Reigate were content to close the show and cap off an excellent and very encouraging performance.
Managers thoughts:
Excellent all round today, the hard work over the summer has reaped dividends with everyone looking very sharp and fit. It's a bit of cliche, but it's hard to pick with a collective performance like that, a MOM.
I must say I was very impressed with Reid and Lewis in the centre who worked well in nullifying any threats that came their way. Green and Driver put in my opinion the best performances I've seen them come out with in a competitive game. Bobby showed what a threat he can be down that right hand side and gives me a real dilemma about whether he is best in defence or midfield. Harvie showed exactly what he's capable off and I must say I'm hoping he'll be down regularly this season as he brings a certain poise with his passing. Mikey looks like he's made a home for himself on the wing where he can really get involved and use his pace to scare full backs all season. Gaz and Tulley with typically consistent performances showed why their such important players for the team, with the fight they give, the goals and their ability to bring that ball down and play the game how it should be played. Sammy B with a goal today will take a lot of confidence going forward, I'm confident he can grab us 30 goals this season. Lovell firstly in defence and this up top showed how much of a nuisance he can be with his fight and underrated ability to bring that ball down and introduce the midfielders. Omlette made some great saves and some nice takes from the crosses and will no doubt make that jersey his own with more gametime over the pre-season.
The star man for me today was Frankie who showed what a great signing he has. Battled hard, beautiful link up play, eager to get the ball to his feet and punish defenders and finished it off with a goal and assist.
With what we have at our disposal as a unit I genuinely believe at least one piece of silverware this season is a minimum expectation.
Until next time!
