Robertsbridge 4 Sedlescombe 5
The 1st team travelled to Robertsbridge - a side two places above us in the league, at a ground which has proven to be a bogey team and ground for Sedlescombe teams in recent years.
Despite this we arrived with plenty of confidence having not lost in our last 4 matches and determined to keep that run going. The pitch as wide as it almost is long is clearly of major benefit to the home side and the way they play, as Robertsbridge took the lead within first 5 minutes and then quickly doubled there lead on the 20 minute mark - the omens did not look good.....!
However, slowly but surely we started to get a foothold in the game and the tide started to turn, snatching a vital goal on the stroke of half time, courtesy of a much appreciated Own goal. Credit to all you lads for sticking at it, not panicking, being patient and believing in each other.
As the second half began it became clear that the penny had dropped and the team performance had gone up a couple of gears. The introduction of Mike Booth providing fresh impetus as he, his brother Jack, Luke Davies, Ryan Edwards and Pip Hatch caused numerous problems with there pace and direct running. Everytime we attacked it felt as though we were going to score.
We soon established a 5 - 2 lead, courtesy of a Pip Hatch hatrick for a second consecutive week, which sees him in 2nd place in the ESFL premier league top goal scorers list and collect the Man of the Match award - Well done Pip and the lads that supplied the assists.
Ryan Edwards grabbed another strike to add to his growing reputation. Scoring direct from a free kick, curling it over the wall and straight in to the top corner.
Once again with a little more care and composure we could and perhaps should have added a couple more to the score line - seemingly wasting opportunities in and around there box !
The last 10 minutes of the game then became very similar to the opening 30 minutes - lacking in discipline, concentration and very untidy, inviting a mini fightback from the Bridge which thankfully was too little too late.
In summary, it's another win and stretches the unbeaten run to 5 matches. Winning matches provides momentum and confidence, which are all vital ingriedients towards us having a successful season.
However we cant afford to start games slowly like we did on Saturday or finish it as dis-jointed and untidy as we did either. The minute we step out of the dressing room is the time to switch on - Focus, concentration and preperation. (the right mentality)
Game management - 5 - 2 up, 10 minutes to go, we should be closing the game out. I credit the desire of you lads wanting to add to the score line but sometimes we just need to stick the ball in the corners behind there full backs and keep pushing them back and turning there back four - the game was won.
We dont need to offer sides any encouragement in this league and whilst Robertsbridge was a much sterner test than Westfield the week before, there are much tougher opponents to come.....
3 points achieved and we move on to our next challenge which is Rocks at Home. Matt will be sending out his message soon so lets get those replies in early so we know who is available please.
