Another warm sunny day for football and the pitch is now looking like it is in need of rain.
Sax started the game looking lively and up for it against a motivated Wickham team. It wasn’t too long before Sax were going forward causing the Wickham defence problems and on 4 minutes Ed hit the post from a tight angle after some good play from the lads. 1 minute later we were causing problems again. Ryan controlled the ball well from a deep cross, he got the ball to Ed who slotted it in to make it Sax 1 - 0 Wickham. This gave the boys a lift and we kept pressing forward with Rossi, putting a great ball in but just too far away from Ed. Wickham started to put some passes together and all their play was going down the right hand side, Tom was going to have to work hard to keep out Tom Crush who was looking good. John won the ball in our own half and seeing the keeper off his line had a shot but the keeper stepped back and dealt with it.
Wickham had a good spell for 5 minutes with a cross from the right going all the way through the area and out for a goal kick, this brought Wickham on and they won a free kick (the first of many) Aaron swung a ball in but above all the heads Jack’s hands plucked the ball out of the sky safely into his chest. The ball went out of defence and eventually came to Ryan who beat four or five defenders easily to make the space for a shot and scored a great individual goal. Sax 2 - 0 Wickham.
On 21 minutes and with Sax dominating play a foul throw was awarded against John unfortunately the ref heard John swear about the decision leaving him no choice but to show him a yellow which means he now has a one match ban which is a shame as he was doing well. John was replaced by Connor who was as keen as ever to get on and do a job for the team.
The change unsettled us and Wickham took full advantage with the hardworking Tom Crush beating the offside and putting the ball over Jack to make it Sax 2 - 1 Wickham. On 29 minutes the Sax boys restored the 2 goal cushion with a long ball out of defence by Kris, collected by Ed leaving the Wickham defence standing and the goal of the game he smashed it in from 18 yards. Sax 3 - 1 Wickham. On 34 it was goal no.4, Ryan done well in the box crossed it in, Ed flicked it on and Rossi had a tap in. Sax 4 - 1 Wickham.
2 minutes later it could have been 5 but Ryan opted for the shot instead of the pull back. Ryan is settling in well to the team and looking better with every game.
Just before half time Wickham had an attack, the ball was cleared by the defence and Connor Dee hit a shot from the centre circle that gave Jack no chance and a goal for Connor to talk about all season.
HALF TIME SAX 4 - 2 WICKHAM
After a half time team talk and a reminder that whatever you think of a decision a ref will not change his mind the lads went back on re-focused and ready to play football and not get involved in stupid arguments.
On 44 minutes we had a corner and our first chance at the Wickham goal for this half, a great ball in, a free header for Rossi saved by the bar. The corners are getting better and we will start scoring from them soon. On 11 minutes Tom Crush was through and bearing down on goal. Sam chased hard and made a great last ditch tackle to save a shot on goal. He even got up and collected the ball to pass it out of defence. The back four were working well as a unit and frustrating Wickham when they did get forward. Kyle and Fish were running the game from midfield well supported by Rossi and Connor, with Ed and Ryan causing problems up front. On 57 minutes it was decided to give Ryan a break and get energetic Ben on. He started as usual with lots of running but a clumsy tackle gave Wickham a free kick. Aaron lined up the shot, hit it well and it looked goal bound until Jack got across to tip it round the post for a corner.
The boys then got back on their game. Some good work in midfield got the ball to Ed, he played a one two with Connor. A great volley made it 5 and completed Ed’s hat-trick. Sax 5 - 2 Wickham.
The boys were now looking hungry for more goals and were looking dangerous going forward. On 69 minutes Rossi laid a ball back to Ed and he put it just wide. On 70 minutes Tom who had been encouraged to get forward by Kyle who was covering well delivered a great ball in and Finchy from nowhere popped up in the box to head it in and make it Sax 6 - 2 Wickham.
Wickham were now looking shell shocked and the boys kept going. On 71 minutes Ed won the ball in midfield, went past all in front of him and slotted it under the keeper to make it Sax 7 - 2 Wickham.
George and Ollie came on for the last 10 minutes to replace Four Goal Ed and Rossi. We had spoke to Fish before the game about long range shots and his chance came on 74 minutes from 40 yards, he hit a great shot which beat everyone but not the bar so unlucky to not score to cap off another good game.
Wickham had a free kick on 78 minutes which was put in, Jack came out and saved well. After the ball was played out Jack was up but two Wickham players were left on the ground wondering what had hit them.
The final chance of the game went to Ollie who done well to get through on goal but put the shot just wide
FINAL WHISTLE SAX 7 - 2 WICKHAM
Well done boys for the result and a great second half display after losing our cool a bit in the first.
Thanks to Jo and Anita for doing refreshments and everyone who helps with goals barrier packs etc. Bryan for running the line and boys really enjoyed being made to run by Matt for a cool down!!
Sutton in the cup next game who have started well this season so should be a good game.
Well done, David.
