A fantastic performance from the boys in this top-of-the-table clash, with everyone working really hard & playing some breathtaking football. From the off, the boys were switched on & on top of their game. SB commanded the game & moved the ball around with pace. We utilised the space brilliantly & ran rings round our opposition; no mean feat as they were directly below us in the league. Each half saw at least two stunning moves (straight from the training ground of course) which had our fans purring! A stunning five man move saw Willo, Ads, Olly, Bill & Bevan all involved with everything being 2-touch. The end result saw Bevan drill a shot just wide. However, shortly after we did take the lead. The width was utilised with Olly on teh left, supported by Ads. Olly then placed a great pass for Bill who took 1 touch before firing in off the post with his left foot. It was the least we deserved as we continued to turn them round & get in behind Cop.
The second half began much the same way, although Cop started to come into the game a little more. Tom was called upon to make 1 save but anything they put to us with dealt with at all levels of the team, Dan P & Willo were commanding at the back & just as importantly used the ball intelligently to bring it out of defence rather than just boot it. Tom had a small aberration when he handled outside the box. Defence was quick to stop any quick free kick & they shot well over the bar. Tom then made a brilliant block at the edge of the area, the only time our defence was breached. It was nervy as it was still only 1-0. We launched repeated raids down both flanks & created some flowing moves. Cop held out though. Olly was tiring so Shaun came on. We pressed high up the field & forced an error. The ball fell to Shaun, who controlled it then swung over a cross from the left. It sailed straight in to great cheer & we had the game under control. SB continued to attack & the 3rd followed with again great team work in midfield, Ads recovering the ball passing to Bevan who slipped Bill in with a defence splitting pass. Bill composed himself & finished into the far corner. A fully deserved victory for the team, well done to all 8. Willo had his best game for a long time & his Man of the Match award was richly merited.
The friendly game really doesn’t warrant much comment. It was very even despite the changed team & formation in the first half, but in the 2nd a wholesale change of formations & tiring players saw Cop score 4 goals.
