Gaffer Hopkins 2nd game in charge away at Surrey Intermidiate side Woking Cougars over in Old Woking. (bit of a trek). We finally get there to see the opposition going through a strenuous warm up routine. Looking at the pitch and weather it was going to be a long day. With 8 players away, we were due to have 13 available (even getting the moaning woman herself Jono to play out on pitch) and with the big pitch & hot weather, the subs would be crucial.
Getting close to kick off and we were still waiting for 4 players to arrive. Joezy & newbie Kev got there a little before kick off but no answer from Home Alone or Ben so the secretary himself had the chance of a run out due to having the bare 11.
We lined up in the same 3-1-4-2 formation as last week, welcoming back Captain Barnett and Seb and newbie Kev Francis. with a pacey attack of Tom & Tim we were good to go.
We started off the better. Pinging the ball about and putting pressure on the Cougars back 3. The pace brothers up front were causing problems, winning a succession of corners and throw ons. We tested the keeper early when a shot from distance was shovelled behind. The early pressure soon bore fruit when Joezy whipped in a free kick and newbie Kev got in front of his marker and managed to squeeze it in at the near post. 1-0 and much deserved,
We were better all over the pitch. Steve in sticks was a relative bystander, Robbo marshalled the back 3 well and gave the oppo strikers not even a sniff of the ball, Gaffer Hoppy, Joezy and GK Jono dominating midfield and Seb and Kev contolling the flanks.
Woking were trialing a few players and some of their young midfielders seemed skillful and spritely but we held firm. They were resorting to long range efforts yet all Steve had to deal with was a few long balls.
The 2nd goal came midway through the 1st half. a cross from the right by Tim was put past his own keeper by the oppo's #3 under pressure from Tom. 2-0 and cruising.
Steve finally had a save to make when the Cougars striker found himself clean thorough but Steve came out, stayed big and blocked the shot.
Half time came and despite the weariness due to heat, pitch and effort we held a deserved 2-0 lead. We knew we'd have to suck it up for the 2nd half due to having no subs and that they'd come out firing as they hadn't shown up 1st half and they'd be fresh due to amount of subs they had.
The 2nd half started and Woking started off the better with their small midfielders getting on the ball more but the back 3 held firm and cut out all the through balls.
Steve gave us a few scares by coming out for balls outside of his area and nearly costing possession but got away with things and kept the ball out of the net. Tim & Tom were doing a good job of occupying the Woking defence, closing down and when getting the ball, holding it up to allow for some restbite.
Cougars were starting to create more problems and earned a few corners but eh defence held firm and cleared balls were held up by Tom, winning throw ons and winding the clock down.
With players suffering with knocks and exhaustion time seemed to be going by slow but we were determined to dig in, and keep the oppo out and see it through to the end.
The 'coup de grace' came 5 minites from the end. Joezy played the ball into Tom, who in turn played it into Tim's path who took 2 touches then found the bottom corner from the edge of the box with the keeper seemingly going down in slow motion. 3-0 game over
The final whistle went and a well deserved win for the patched up Boro team. a great performance from all 11 players, some good football played and everyone grafted and left everything on the pitch. 2 games down, and 2 good performances. Things looking well for the season and yet to have a full squad. Thanks again to Jono who put in a shift in centre mid and helped the team out 2nd game running.
Boys did the club proud.
